New Zealand vs England, 3rd ODI - Match Predictions

New Zealand dug in real deep to salvage a win in the first game, but Ben Stokes’ brilliance averted them a similar result in the second game. It is very clear that the Kiwis will have to work really hard in the upcoming days as the English are playing scintillating cricket. Given they already slaughtered Australia a few weeks back in the land of Kangaroos, this series is certainly heading to a close finish.

Tim Southee led the side in Kane Williamson‘s absence and it certainly was a forgettable experience. England was outstanding in the field and they literally won the game banking on some exceptional work in the outfield. Their batting department failed to put up a decent total on board and the chase was completed with over 12 overs remaining.

After all the brouhaha surrounding Ben Stokes’ re-entry, the all-rounder finally managed to get the better of all the adversities and came back on a strong note. His match-winning performance in the previous game was exactly what his side missed in the Ashes. Both teams are certainly up for another cracker of a contest at the capital city and it’ll be interesting to see if the hosts can stop the on-song English side.

Nature of the pitch

Over the last couple of years, The Westpac pitch has been under certain pressure for not playing well. Its behavior was a bit tedious and although it played well in the T20 game almost a month ago, it’ll be interesting to see how much assistance the bowlers will have. It will be third fresh strip used at the ground this season.

Playing combinations

New Zealand

The biggest change for this game is that Kane Williamson is all in readiness to get back into the XI. He’ll take the number 3 slot in the battig lineup with the destructive duo of Martin Guptill and Colin Munro going ahead of him. Mark Chapman might keep his place since Ross Taylor’s fitness hasn’t been confirmed as yet. Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls are the other players in the middle order.

Lockie Ferguson might be making his way into the XI in Ish Sodhi’s place considering the spinners aren’t having a great time at Wellington in recent times. Tim Southee and Trent Boult like always will be sharing the new ball. Colin de Grandhomme and Mitch Santner are the other options for Williamson.

Probable XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (C), Mark Chapman, Tom Latham (wk), Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

England

No one would want to alter a winning combination and the same applies to this XI. Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow will open the innings with skipper Joe Root coming in at 3. Eoin Morgan will follow with Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, and Chris Woakes being the others comprising the middle order.

Mark Wood is fit for selection, but it’ll come in as a surprise if he gets into the side ahead of Willey or Curran. Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali always are key components for England, with bat and ball. It’ll be interesting to see the likes Chris Woakes, Tom Curran, and David Willey, who were spectacular in the previous outing.

Probable XI: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (C), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Tom Curran, David Willey

Here’s what CricTracker predicts for the game

Head to Head

Played – 86, New Zealand – 42, England – 38, 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 Kiwis to win a hard-fought battle despite all the injury issues surrounding them.