Match: England vs New Zealand, Cricket World Cup 2023 (ENG vs NZ)
Date: October 5, Thursday, 2.00 PM IST
Venue: Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad
The 2023 ODI World Cup gets underway on October 5 at the world’s largest cricket stadium, the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. The opening match will be played between defending champions England and losing finalists of 2019, New Zealand.
England hosted New Zealand for a four-match ODI series in September. They lost the first match but won the remaining three games to win the series. New Zealand not only lost an ODI series to England, but also to India and Pakistan before that.
England are one of the strongest teams in the 2023 World Cup. They have an experienced squad comprising quite a few players who played in the 2019 ODI World Cup. The return of Ben Stokes’ return retirement will also be a huge boost to the team. The all-rounder once again proved his worth with a 182 against New Zealand a few days ago. After winning their first World Cup in 2019, England will be looking to win their second consecutive title this year. West Indies and Australia are the only two teams to win consecutive ODI World Cup trophies.
New Zealand, meanwhile, boast of the world-class player Kane Williamson in their ranks. Devon Conway and Tom Latham will be the other two important batsman for New Zealand, but the team as a whole is not among the strongest in the tournament. In the 20 ODI matches New Zealand have played this year, they have won eight and lost 11.
Ahead of the opening game of Cricket World Cup 2023, here’s everything you need to know to maximise your chances of winning cash prizes on MPL fantasy.
Weather update and pitch report for ENG vs NZ, Cricket World Cup 2023
The pitch at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad is batting friendly. Given that this is a day and night match, the dew factor will also help the batsmen as the game progresses. During the IPL, the stadium saw a few high-scoring games, but in the most recent ODI played at the venue, the bowlers ruled the roost. The venue is also favourable for the seamers.
We saw a few warm-up games spoiled by rain, but there is no threat of rain in Ahmedabad on Thursday. It will be sunny and warm, with maximum temperature of 36° C during the day hours.
England team news and predicted XI
Team news: Ben Stokes is doubtful for the match as he is suffering from a hip niggle. In his absence, Harry Brook, who scored a century in India earlier this year, is likely to be drafted in the playing XI. England may go with four pacers, and if that’s the case, Moeen Ali may be benched for Liam Livingstone.
Squad: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes
Predicted XI: Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes/Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (capt & wk), Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley.
New Zealand team news and predicted XI
Team news: Both Kane Williamson and Tim Southee won’t feature in the first few games. While Williamson, returning from an injury, played the warm-ups, he is unlikely to be rushed in the main games so soon. Southee, meanwhile, injured himself in the series against England last month.
Squad: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young
Predicted XI: Will Young, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham (capt & wk), James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.
Head-to-head record
In the 50-over format, the two sides have played against each other in a total of 95 matches, with England winning on 45 occasions. New Zealand has won 44 times. Four matches ended without a result while two matches ended in a tie. Last month, England defeated New Zealand 3-1 in an ODI series.
Five players to watch out for
Here we list five players you must pick in your MPL fantasy XI for ENG vs NZ, Cricket World Cup 2023
Devon Conway – batsman, New Zealand
Devon Conway will be one of the main batsmen for New Zealand in the tournament. He scored 78 runs in the warm-up game against South Africa and will be looking to carry the same form into the main games. Conway has done well in the subcontinent this year, scoring 308 runs in six innings at an average of over 51.
Trent Boult – bowler, New Zealand
With 197 wickets in just 104 matches, Trent Boult is one of the best in the business. He brings with him the experience of playing in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, and has dismissed some of the best batsmen in the world. He is particularly known to dismiss the top order, especially openers. In the warm-up against South Africa, he took the big wickets of opener Reeza Hendricks and then of Heinrich Klaasen.
Jos Buttler – batsman, England
One of the best ODI batsmen in the world, Jos Buttler can be picked as a captain in your MPL fantasy team. In 169 ODIs, the experienced campaigner has amassed 4823 runs at an average of 41.47. Recently, he scored 176 runs in five ODI matches against New Zealand, including a top score of 72.
Dawid Malan – batsman, England
Malan was named the Player of the Series in bilateral ODIs against New Zealand last month for top scoring with 277 runs. The flamboyant batsman will now be looking to repeat the same in a World Cup game.
Moeen Ali – all-rounder, England
Moeen Ali won the match for England in the rain-curtailed warm-up game against Bangladesh, scoring 56 runs from just 39 balls which included 2 fours and 6 maximums. He can win your fantasy points with both his batting and bowling.
MPL fantasy XI – ENG vs NZ, Cricket World Cup 2023
ENG vs NZ – where and what time to watch the match live in India
The England vs New Zealand ODI will be televised on the Star Sports Network in India. You can also watch the game on the Disney + Hotstar app. The match will begin at 2.00 PM IST on October 5.
Check out our detailed guide on fantasy cricket for more tips and tricks. https://www.mpl.live/blog/todays-match-prediction/
Note: The players recommended here need not be a part of the Playing 11 on game day. Users are advised to do their own research also and follow official sources and create their teams.
