Big test for New Zealand’s bowlers against England’s formidable batting line-up 

Betting Odds

Our Predictions

• Joe Root has odds of 4.19 to be the best batsman for England. 
• Kane Williamson has odds of 3.94 to be New Zealand's best batsman.
• Mark Wood has odds of 4.06 to be England's best bowler. 
• Trent Boult has odds of 3.28 to be the best bowler for New Zealand. 

MATCH PREVIEW     

The wait is over, and we are in the 1st match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. We expect a thrilling contest as defending champions England take on New Zealand, whom they had defeated in the controversial final four years ago. The England side is up on the odds chart, next to hosts India, and shall look to dominate the proceedings from the word go. They have a strong batting line-up, adding to their confidence. New Zealand is a strong side, but they have a poor record against England. It is the first game, and both sides will be under pressure. We expect a close contest on a flat surface where batsmen on both sides will enjoy batting.  

England Preview     

Jos Buttler leads a batting powerhouse. They have redefined ODI cricket in the last six years and have pushed the threshold. As they begin the campaign defending their title, Buttler and his men would like to make a point for all the doubters about the side’s abilities to repeat the success in the subcontinent. They have lost only twice against New Zealand in the last ten games. The English skipper wants his side to play their natural game and start with a win.  

Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow look in good form, and the side will look for an electrifying start from the pair on a flat deck. Joe Root adds solidity to the middle order, and he must anchor the innings at No. 3 and add runs with Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone. The team has depth in the batting line-up and shall expect quick runs from Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, and Chris Woakes in the lower middle order.   

New Zealand has a strong batting line and up, and England’s fortunes would depend on early wickets from Mark Wood and Sam Curran. It is the two spinners - Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid who have a major role in the game as they must use the conditions to their advantage. Stokes and Chris Woakes bring vast experience and variety to this attack, making it strong.   

Expected Starting XI for England     

Jos Buttler (c & wk), Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid 

New Zealand Preview      

Kane Williamson's side isn’t the favorites in this game according to the bookmakers. Though they have been one of the most consistent sides in the last few years, their poor record against England is a mental roadblock. Williamson, who likes leading from the front, would like to overcome this challenge and expect a good show from his players, especially the bowling attack.  

Devon Conway and Finn Allen are a dependable opening pair for the team, and they will look to do well in this game. Williamson must hold the innings together in the middle order and allow Will Young and Glenn Phillips to play their strokes. Darryl Mitchell can score quick runs in the lower middle order, and he must do it in the company of James Neesham and Mitchell Santner.  

The old workhorses Trent Boult and Tim Southee must get early wickets to hit the English batting prowess. They can’t allow the English top order to settle in this game. All eyes will be on Ish Sodhi and Santner, as the wicket will be conducive to their bowling style. They must prevent England from building partnerships. Mitchell and Neesham must deliver the goods in the supporting role.  

Expected Starting XI for New Zealand     

Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, James Neesham, Ish Sodhi 

TOSS: To Bat First      

In ODI cricket, sides batting first always have an advantage in the sub-continent. The wicket doesn’t have much for the fast bowlers in the afternoon and they can move the ball under the lights. The side winning the toss will look to bat first and set up a big score in this tournament opener.  

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

The weather will be excellent in this game, and we expect a warm and humid day in Ahmedabad on October 05. The wicket will be flat, but the ball will stop on the batsmen on odd occasions. We expect it to be a run feast and the side batting first must look at a score of 325 runs to feel safe.  

OUR PREDICTION      

New Zealand has the batting firepower they need to defeat any side in this tournament. It is on the bowling front; the side must do well in this game. Their bowlers can’t afford to let the English batsmen set the pace of the game. England has a powerful batting line-up and variety in the bowling attack. Though we expect a close game, the English side has a slight edge.  

Our Prediction is for England to win