The eagerly anticipated ICC ODI World Cup 2023 will kick off on October 5, 2023, in the world’s largest stadium, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with the defending champions, England, taking on the 2019 World Cup finalist, New Zealand.
The incumbent champions, Britain, will enter the match fresh off victories over Bangladesh in a warm-up game and a recent series victory over New Zealand. Dawid Malan led the batting with 277 runs in three games at an average of 92.33, while Ben Stokes totaled 235 runs at an average of 78.33, including an ODI record-breaking 182 runs in one of the games.
In terms of bowling, Moeen Ali took seven wickets in three games, and Reece Topley took five in four. With 186 runs and four wickets in the series, Liam Livingstone was an all-around performer. England will aim to get off to a strong World Cup start.
England vs New zealand
On the other side, New Zealand will enter the first game fresh off a 2-0 victory over Bangladesh and victories over South Africa and Pakistan in a warm-up matches. In terms of 2023, Daryl Mitchell has been their go-to batsman after amassing 652 runs in 16 innings at an average of 43.46 with three hundreds, while Will Young has contributed 578 runs in 14 innings at a rate of 44.46.
Matt Henry leads the bowling attack with 14 wickets, followed by Ish Sodhi with 13 and Rachin Ravindra with 12 wickets each. Due to a knee ailment, Kane Williamson will not play in the opening match, and Tim Southee is questionable with a finger injury. In the warm-ups, Ravindra was moved to the opening position and helped New Zealand chase down 343 runs by scoring a quick 97 runs against Pakistan. With this performance, he has also caused the selection committee some trouble. In Williamson’s absence, Tom Latham is anticipated to captain the team. The Kiwi will also try to get the World Cup off to a winning start.
Pitch Report for Narendra Modi Stadium: The Narendra Modi Stadium features a pitch that will be beneficial to bowlers. It can be challenging for the hitters when pacers, in particular, enjoy some seams and swing at the beginning of the pitch. After a few balls have been placed on the ground, they are free to play their shots. First innings scores in teams who win the toss often average 212.
NZ vs. ENG 95 games between the two clubs have resulted in an even-steven head-to-head record, with 44 wins and 44 losses for each squad. Three contests, including the 2019 World Cup final, resulted in ties, and four contests produced no outcomes.
National Stadium of India In 26 ODI matches played at this location, speed bowlers have taken 211 wickets at an average of 32.55, while spin bowlers have taken 113 wickets at an average of 39.38. Teams batting first have won 14 of the 26 games, while teams chasing have won 12 of the games. At this location, batting first has an average score of 242. Due to the slowness of the pitch in the later section, teams who won the toss have favored to bat first.
Player Battles Between ENG and NZ to Pay Attention to Tom Latham vs. Moeen Ali:
Tom Latham has scored 54 runs at an average of 18 in the seven innings that have been played between the two players. Moeen Ali has picked Latham off three times in 68 deliveries. The struggle might encourage Buttler to bat with Moeen Ali for an extended period of time in the middle overs.
New Zealand’s X-Factors for England vs. New Zealand:
The difference-maker for New Zealand against England is Daryl Mitchell. In 2023, Mitchell has been in excellent batting form, amassing 652 runs at a rate of over 43, including three hundreds. Mitchell amassed 196 runs in the just finished series against England, averaging 65.33. In addition to his batting, he has taken nine wickets at an average of 21.33 in seven innings. When Mitchell’s various skills are combined, he becomes the X-factor.
England:
Ben Stokes, who has scored 661 runs for England against New Zealand at an average of 55.08 with four fifty-plus scores and one century, is the difference maker. He recently beat New Zealand, scoring 182. He is the X-factor because he can take the middle order by himself.
Probable lineups for the ENG vs. NZ matchup:
Matt Henry/Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Will Young, Mark Chapman, Tom Latham (c/wk), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, and Mitchell Santner.
England:
Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (c/wk), Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran/Reece Topley, Adil Rashid, and Mark Wood