England vs New Zealand 1st T20: Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between ENG vs NZ?

The impending marquee event, ODI World Cup 2023, is just around the corner, so teams are looking to fine-tune their preparations. Now, two finalists of the 2019 ODI World Cup are all set to face each other in a four-match T20 series at the Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street, starting on August 30.

As far as the defending champions, England are concerned, their form post their T20 World Cup triumph hasn’t been up to the mark, and they were clean-swept quite comfortably by Bangladesh in a three-match T20 series, which was quite surprising. But the return of their star players for the series would’ve undoubtedly boosted the English squad’s confidence for the series.

On the other hand, New Zealand are coming into this series after a narrow escape against UAE, where they won the series by 2-1, but their one-match loss against the hosts was the main talking point of the whole series. Young batter Mark Chapman and veteran Tim Southee were the most consistent performers in the series, and New Zealand would be hoping that a few other players also raise their standards against a team like England.

ENG vs NZ Match Details:

Match: England vs New Zealand, 1st T20I Match

Venue:  Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street, United Kingdom

Date & Time: Wednesday, August 30, 10:30 PM IST

Live Streaming Details: Star Sports

NZ vs ENG Pitch Report:

The Riverside Ground, set to host the first T20I of the series, promises to be a batter-friendly wicket but offers a balanced overall pitch that challenges both batters and bowlers. With conditions favouring the swing and seam movement early on, batters must take their time before all guns blazing.

NZ vs ENG Probable Playing XI

England (ENG):

Jos Butler (c), David Malan, Sam Curran, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Luke Wood, Jonny Bairstow (wk).

New Zealand (NZ):

Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Kyle Jamieson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Fin Allen, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee (C), Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson

Probable Best Performers:

Probable Best Batter-

Jos Buttler:

Jos Butler has scored 573 runs in 18 T20Is since 2022 and was looking in great touch in the recently concluded The Hundred as well. He will be looking to continue his good form and lead his team from the front to start the series on a positive note for his side.

Probable Best Bowler-

Mitchell Santer:

Known for his crafty left-arm spin bowling, Santner has a good record against the English side, taking 17 wickets in 11 outings at an average of 17.11. His ability to stem the run flow in middle overs and take crucial wickets might be a deciding factor in this match.

Today’s Match Prediction: England to win the match

ENG v NZ: 1st T20I

Check: ENG vs NZ Dream11 Prediction

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.