The 2023 ODI World Cup begins on October 5 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, with defending champions England taking on New Zealand in the opening match. England are one of the teams to beat in the tournament, having most of their bases covered. The return of Ben Stokes from ODI retirement will further boost their strength. New Zealand, meanwhile, have not done really well in the ODI format this year, having won eight and lost 11 matches in 2023. They also recently lost an ODI series to England in England. After winning the first match, they lost the next three on a trot to lose the series.
Kane Williamson, who has returned from an injury, performed well in both the warm-up matches. He scored an unbeaten 54 against Pakistan and 37 against South Africa. Despite that, New Zealand are unlikely to play him in the first few matches to keep him fully fit for the latter and more important stages of the tournament. They will, nevertheless, be buoyed by Williamson’s return. New Zealand defeated Pakistan by five wickets in their first warm-up game, before defeating South Africa by seven runs in the next warm-up game.
England, meanwhile, saw their first warm-up game against India washed-out due to rain, following which they defeated Bangladesh by four wickets in their second warm-up game. Moeen Ali scored a half century, while Reece Topley picked up three wickets.
Ahead of the opening game of Cricket World Cup 2023, here’s everything you need to know.
England vs New Zealand Injury Update
For England, Ben Stokes is unavailable for this match after suffering from a hip niggle. Harry Brook could replace him in the playing XI. For New Zealand, Kane Williamson is unlikely to be a part of this match and Tim Southee will also sit out due to an injury.
England vs New Zealand Predicted XI
England 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 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
England vs New Zealand Match Details
Match: England vs New Zealand
Date & Time: October 5, 2.00 PM IST
Venue: Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad
England vs New Zealand Fantasy Team
Wicketkeeper: Jos Buttler, Devon Conway (vc), Jonny Bairstow
Batters: Daryl Mitchell, Joe Root (c), Glen Phillips
All-rounders: Liam Livingstone, Rachin Ravindra
Bowlers: Trent Boult, Chris Woakes, Reece Topley
England vs New Zealand: Ahmedabad Weather and Pitch Report
There are different types of pitches at the Narendra Modi Stadium including red soil, black soil and a mix of both. The conditions help both the batsmen and the bowlers. We have seen both high scoring and low scoring games at the venue this year in different formats. But the red soil offering bounce will help the pace bowlers.
The weather in Ahmedabad will be sunny with a maximum temperature of 35 degrees Celsius.
England vs New Zealand, 2023 World Cup Broadcast details
The match between England and New Zealand will be live on the Star Sports network as far as TV is concerned.
England vs New Zealand Live Streaming
Disney + Hotstar has picked up streaming rights of the England vs New Zealand match. The toss will take place at 1.30 PM IST.
England vs New Zealand ODI matches Head-to-Head
| Matches Played | 95 |
| Matches won by England | 45 |
| Matches won by New Zealand | 44 |
| No Result | 4 |
| Matches Tied | 2 |
England vs New Zealand Match Prediction
Going by their recent form and overall team strength, England will start as favourites to win this game.
