In the highly anticipated inaugural match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, the defending champions, England, will clash with last edition’s finalists, New Zealand, promising an intense encounter. Both teams have showcased strong performances in their warm-up games and possess a pool of experienced players.
England emerged victorious in their recent warm-up game against Bangladesh, instilling confidence in their formidable batting lineup. New Zealand, on the other hand, displayed solid batting performances in their warm-up victory against South Africa, indicating they won’t be an easy team to defeat.
Historically, England has maintained the upper hand against New Zealand, losing only twice in their last ten encounters, giving them a psychological edge. Their hard-hitting batting lineup augments their confidence for this game.
THE VENUE FOR ENGLAND – NEW ZEALAND GAME
The match at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, with its flat surface and fast outfield, favors batsmen who can rotate the strike and build their innings. However, it also offers advantages to spinners with its turning and stopping behavior.
Average 1st Inns scores: 235
Average 2nd Inns scores: 203
TEAM PREVIEW
ENGLAND
Jos Buttler, England’s captain, seeks a strong start in their title defense and is relying on their potent batting lineup. The team emphasizes a strong start from top-order batsmen Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow, followed by a formidable middle order featuring Joe Root, Jos Buttler, and Liam Livingstone.
All-rounders like Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, and Chris Woakes bolster the lineup, adding depth and power. The return of Ben Stokes is definitely one of the biggest positives for the team. However, the all-rounder will not be bowling as he is currently dealing with a knee injury
To counter New Zealand’s powerful batting, England will need an effective start with the new ball from bowlers Reece Topley and Sam Curran. Spinners like Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid will leverage the favorable conditions, while support is expected from Stokes and Woakes.
EXPECTED XI OF ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND:
Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (c & wk), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Reece Topley, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood
NEW ZEALAND
For New Zealand, Skipper Kane Williamson is not yet 100% fit to return to action and hence, is very likely to miss the game. Ace pacer Tim Southee is on the same boat as well, but his recent statement confirmed that the cricketer is trying his best to be back on the field for the opening game.
They will rely on key players like Devon Conway and Finn Allen for a good start, and the middle order, including Glenn Phillips and Will Young, is pivotal. Darryl Mitchell and the lower middle order, supported by James Neesham and Mitchell Santner, provide the necessary depth.
The New Zealand bowling attack, led by Trent Boult , holds the key to success. Early wickets from Boult, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson will be crucial, and spinners Ish Sodhi and Santner will aim to exploit the conducive conditions. Mitchell and Neesham round off a formidable bowling unit.
EXPECTED XI OF NEW ZEALAND v ENGLAND
Devon Conway, Will Young, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson.
PREDICTION OF THE GAME
New Zealand has done well with the bat in the two warm up games the side has played. England has depth in the batting and a bowling attack with a lot of experience. It is an open contest, but England, with their better record against New Zealand, has a slight edge.
Prediction: England to Neat New Zealand And Make a Commanding Start to their World Cup Campaign.
Also Read: ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: “Virat Kohli Is A Different Class Altogether”- Haris Rauf