Last year’s finalists England will take on New Zealand in the World Cup opening match tomorrow at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams have reached Ahmedabad and will have a training session today. Like the 2019 epic final at Lord’s, the opening WC match also promises to be a cracking affair. Both these teams are favorites to reach the semis and will aim to begin the tournament on a winning note.
England, the defending champions, are coming off a solid win in their warm-up against Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the Blackcaps managed to win both their warm-up matches against Pakistan and South Africa.
With skipper Kane Williamson also showing full fitness, New Zealand are looking potent. Tim Southee is also back, and that augurs well for the side, which finally aims to win its maiden World Cup.
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ENG vs NZ Dream11: All-round England aim to deliver first blow against resurgent Kiwis
England’s depth is the biggest strength. From number 1 to number 11 all their players can give the ball a real whack. It is this fearless approach that is the mantra to success. Their top order boasts Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root and Ben Stokes. Then comes their all-rounders, who are also equally explosive in Moeen Ali, Livingstone, and Sam Curran.
Bowling also looks potent, with Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, and Reece Topley. England likes to attack from word go, and New Zealand will find a way to tackle their mercurial batting lineup. It is with the new ball that New Zealand can inflict damage, with Boult, Southee, and Matt Henry up their sleeves.
Match Details
Match: ENG vs NZ, 1st match World Cup
Date & Time: Oct 5, 2:00 PM
Venue: Ahmedabad
Live Streaming: Disney + Hotstar
ENG vs NZ: Pitch Report
The match will be played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The pitch here is a batting paradise with runs coming thick and fast. Spinners will get some assistance in the later half of the innings.
ENG vs NZ: Top Fantasy Picks
Captain – Jonny Bairstow
Vice-captain – Ish Sodhi
Wicketkeeper – Jos Buttler
Batters – Dawid Malan, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson
All-rounders – Ben Stokes, Jimmy Neesham
Bowlers – Trent Boult, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid
ENG vs NZ: Probable Playing XIs
ENG: Jonny Bairstow, Malan, Root, Stokes, Buttler, Moeen Ali, Livingstone, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid
NZ: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Santner, Ferguson, Matt Henry, Boult
