New Zealand vs England, 1st ODI - Match Predictions

England and New Zealand are all set to lock horns in the first of the five-match ODI series at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday. Both the teams were at the receiving ends during the recently concluded T20I tri-series when Australia got the better of them time and again. Though they have a lot of issues to sort out in the shortest format of the game, the teams would be eager to find a settled combination ahead of the World Cup next year in England. However, the series is expected to be closely fought given the record between the two teams.

While both the sides are coming off an impressive outing in the format, it would be interesting to see the way they approach after pitting against each other. New Zealand whitewashed Pakistan comprehensively as the new player put his hand up everytime the team was in trouble. England, on the other hand, played some impeccable cricket down under to humble Australia by 4-1.

Probable nature of the pitch

The pitch at the Seddon Park in Hamilton generally tends to slow down as the match progresses and brings the spinners into the game. Though the record at the venue favours the team chasing as they’ve won 19 out of 32 ODIs played here. The dew is also expected to play a part in the second innings which should negate the spin threat. It is going to be tricky for the captains after winning the toss but going by the history they are expected to bowl first.

Playing Combination

New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the strongest units at home with their openers Martin Guptill and Colin Munro firing more often than not. In case they fail they have a cool head of Kane Williamson and the experience of Ross Taylor followed by Tom Latham. They also have capable finishers in Henry Nicholls and Colin de Grandhomme. The bowling attack comprises of Tim Southee and Trent Boult which can blow away any batting line-up in the world. Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi should take up the spin-bowling responsibilities.

Predicted XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk), Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult

England

England have no reasons to change their winning combination which defeated Australia comfortably last month. But they can’t bench Ben Stokes as he is one of the most valuable players in the team right now. All the focus will be on him as he will bat at 5 and will also bowl his quota of 10 overs. Alex Hales should make way for him after Jonny Bairstow did no harm to his reputation while opening the innings. Tom Curran should also keep his place after picking up a five-wicket haul in the final ODI against the Aussies.

Predicted XI: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (capt), Ben Stokes, 6 Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Tom Curran, Mark Wood

Probable Top Performers

Ben Stokes(England) | Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

Here’s what CricTracker predicts for the game:

Head to Head

Played – 84 New Zealand – 41 England – 37 NR – 4 Tied – 2

Match Timings – 6.30 AM IST

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports Select 1

Live Streaming – Hotstar

The prediction is for the team bowling first to win the match as the dew will play its part in the evening and the ball will come on the bat better.

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