The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 kicks off from October 5 in India with defending champions England taking on New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which will also host the final. The two teams have a history of playing some thrilling matches in the World Cup, including the 2019 final that ended in a tie and was decided by a controversial boundary count rule. Both teams have some of the best players in the world and will be eager to start their campaign on a winning note. Here is a preview of the match and the top five players to watch out for from both sides.
England vs New Zealand: Match Details
- Date: Thursday, October 5, 2023
- Time: 2:00 PM IST
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Live Streaming: Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar
England vs New Zealand: Team News
England have announced a 15-member squad for the World Cup, led by Jos Buttler, who has taken over the captaincy from Eoin Morgan. The squad features some of the key members of the 2019 World Cup-winning team, such as Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and Adil Rashid. England also have some exciting new talents, such as Liam Livingstone, Tom Banton and Saqib Mahmood. England have a balanced and formidable team that can adapt to any conditions and challenge any opposition.
New Zealand have also named a strong squad for the World Cup, led by Kane Williamson, who is one of the best batsmen in the world. The squad includes experienced players like Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill, Tim Southee and Trent Boult, who have been consistent performers for the team. New Zealand also have some young and talented players, such as Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips and Kyle Jamieson. New Zealand have a well-rounded and resilient team that can surprise anyone with their skills and spirit.
England vs New Zealand: Head to Head
England and New Zealand have played 91 ODIs against each other so far, with New Zealand winning 43 and England winning 41. Five matches have ended without any result. In the World Cup, they have met nine times, with England winning four and New Zealand winning five. The last time they met in the World Cup was in the 2019 final, which ended in a tie and was won by England on boundary count.
ALSO READ: ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Points Table
England vs New Zealand: Top 5 Players to Watch
Jos Buttler (England)
Jos Buttler is one of the most destructive batsmen in the world and can change the course of any game with his explosive hitting. He is also an excellent wicket-keeper and a calm and astute leader. He has scored 3843 runs in 150 ODIs at an average of 40.03 and a strike rate of 119.88. He has nine centuries and 23 fifties to his name, with a highest score of 150. He was also the player of the match in the 2019 World Cup final, where he scored 59 runs and effected a crucial run out.
Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
Kane Williamson is one of the most elegant and classy batsmen in the world and can anchor any innings with his sublime strokeplay. He is also a brilliant captain and a sharp fielder. He has scored 6173 runs in 151 ODIs at an average of 47.48 and a strike rate of 82.32. He has 13 centuries and 39 fifties to his name, with a highest score of 148. He was also the player of the tournament in the 2019 World Cup, where he scored 578 runs at an average of 82.57.
Ben Stokes (England)
Ben Stokes is one of the most dynamic and versatile all-rounders in the world and can contribute with both bat and ball. He is also a superb fielder and a match-winner in pressure situations. He has scored 2682 runs in 95 ODIs at an average of 40.63 and a strike rate of 94.82. He has three centuries and 20 fifties to his name, with a highest score of 102 not out. He has also taken 70 wickets at an average of 41.44 and an economy rate of 6.15. He was also the player of the match in the 2019 World Cup final, where he scored an unbeaten 84 runs and took two wickets.
ALSO READ: World Cup 2023: Full Schedule, Dates, and Venues for ICC ODI World Cup 2023
Trent Boult (New Zealand)
Trent Boult is one of the best fast bowlers in the world and can swing the ball both ways at pace. He is also a handy lower-order batsman and a brilliant catcher. He has taken 164 wickets in 90 ODIs at an average of 25.06 and an economy rate of 5.09. He has four five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket haul to his name, with a best of 7/34. He was also the joint-highest wicket-taker in the 2019 World Cup, with 17 wickets at an average of 18.58.
Liam Livingstone (England)
Liam Livingstone is one of the most exciting and talented young batsmen in the world and can play shots all around the ground. He is also a useful leg-spinner and a brilliant fielder. He has scored 95 runs in four ODIs at an average of 31.66 and a strike rate of 121.79. He has one fifty to his name, with a highest score of 95. He has also taken two wickets at an average of 29.50 and an economy rate of 6.50. He was also the player of the match in the second ODI against New Zealand in 2023, where he scored his maiden ODI fifty.
ALSO READ: England vs New Zealand Watch Live: ICC World Cup 2023 Match 1 Streaming Channel and Timings in India
