New Zealand vs England, 1st T20I: Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Following the World Cup triumph, it’s time for England to make their return to limited-overs cricket. The Three Lions are set to lock horns with New Zealand in a five-match away T20I series with the opening match to be played on Friday, November 1 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Back in September, the Black Caps beat Sri Lanka 2-1 in conditions way different to that of New Zealand.

The Brits, on the other hand, have rested quite a few of their key players for the upcoming series, keeping an eye on the T20 World Cup in Australia. On head-to-head, England have beaten the Kiwis on 10 instances out of 15. Even in New Zealand, England have defeated their opponent in five games out of seven. But New Zealand will fancy their chances since the Brits have quite a few newcomers.

Pitch and Conditions

The venue is yet to host a T20I and hence, it’s tricky to presume how the pitch would behave. In 14 ODIs, targets in excess of 300 have been set 6 times. So, the track isn’t the worst for batting. The dimensions of the ground aren’t big and batsmen are expected to dominate. There are less chances of rain, but it will be cloudy. The atmosphere will be cold with the temperature around 14 degrees.

Team Combinations

New Zealand

New Zealand have had their travails with the top-order of late. They won’t be having the services of Kane Williamson, who’s nursing a hip injury. Colin Munro scored a ton in the second practice game and his role, along with an out-of-form Martin Guptill will hold the key. Tim Seifert failed in the warm-ups. It goes without saying that the Kiwis will depend heavily on the experience of Ross Taylor.

James Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme are fresh from playing the CPL and they need to step up and deliver. The series is a chance for Daryl Mitchell as well to show his big-hitting skills at the highest level. Lockie Ferguson, who returned after an injury layoff, is most likely to share the new cherry with Tim Southee. Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner will be in charge in the spin department.

Probable XI

Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Tim Seifert (WK), Ross Taylor, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee (C), Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi

England

Pat Brown and Sam Curran are all set to make their T20I debuts. Brown was a tad expensive in the warm-up games, having conceded 70 runs in 7 overs with only a solitary wicket to show for his efforts. Tom Banton didn’t perform in the warm-ups and hence could miss out, making way for southpaw Dawid Malan, who averages a stunning 50 in five T20Is with a strike-rate in excess of 150.

The left-hander also has four fifties in those matches. Jonny Bairstow and Eoin Morgan’s role in a rather inexperienced batting lineup will be of prime importance. The batting has depth though with even Adil Rashid capable of adding some runs. Chris Jordan was excellent in the CPL and he’ll look to carry over his form. Joe Denly has been ruled out of the opener after rolling his ankle in practice.

Probable XI

Jonny Bairstow (WK), Dawid Malan, James Vince, Eoin Morgan (C), Lewis Gregory, Sam Billings, Tom Curran, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Patrick Brown

Probable Top Performers

Colin Munro – New Zealand | Jonny Bairstow – England

Broadcast Details

TV– Star Sports

Online– Hotstar

Match Timings – 14:00 local time, 06:30 IST (01:00 AM GMT)

The prediction is for New Zealand to win the match.