New Zealand vs England, 4th ODI – Match Predictions

England and New Zealand are set to lock horns in the fourth ODI in what could potentially decide the series. The hosts’ backs are against the wall and their proud record at home is at stake. They have to give their best against the resurgent England side who have found their groove at the right time and would be eyeing to seal the series. However, yet another mouth-watering contest is on the cards and the game could well go into the last over once again.

The Kiwis have struggled in the batting department mostly with their middle-order not performing consistently which has made the difference in the series so far. Moreover, the top order has not given consistent starts for them much and the only aspect in which their opponent is also struggling. If the Kiwis are to compete or even beat this England side, every player of the team has to play to their potential else it will soon become a one-way traffic in this series.

Probable nature of the pitch

The University Oval in Dunedin is known to produce a lot of runs and even in this season, the pitches have been flat. The captains will be thinking of bowling first after winning the toss as there has been a lot of rain in the lead up to the match which might help the pitch to spice up. Expect a high-scoring game if the team batting first manages to play out the new ball without much fuss. The bowler like Trent Boult has the ability to run through the line-up of any team, the same which he did in January at the same venue against Pakistan (5/17).

Playing Combination

New Zealand

New Zealand’s most experienced batsman Ross Taylor has been declared fit for this match and will replace Mark Chapman who hasn’t done much to keep his place in the last two matches. More than any changes in the playing XI, the current crop of players need to step up and support Taylor and Kane Williamson. The bowling attack looks settled and the middle-order has to perform with the time running out for the likes of Henry Nicholls and Tom Latham.

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

England

England would not want to change their winning combination which helped them defend 234 in the last match unless the last minute injuries. David Willey should consider himself unlucky to be on the bench with Mark Wood fit and the team management is likely to persist with him despite a rough outing. Ben Stokes has continued to make his mark ever since his comeback and is not looking rusty anymore.

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

Here’s what CricTracker predicts for the game:

Probable Top Performers

Jason Roy (England) | Trent Boult (New Zealand)

Head to Head

Played – 87, New Zealand – 42, England – 39, NR – 4, Tied – 2

Match Timings – 3.30 AM IST

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports Select 1

Live Streaming – Hotstar

The prediction is for the Kiwis to win a close encounter and level the series.