New Zealand vs England, 5th T20I – Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details

The 5th T20I of the five-match series between New Zealand and England will be played at the Eden Park in Auckland.

The match starts at 2:00 PM local time (6:30 AM IST) (1:00 AM GMT). The match will be live on Star Sports. Live streaming will be available on Hotstar.

Preview for Dream11 Fantasy

After four gruelling encounters, it all comes down to the fifth and final T20I between England and New Zealand on Sunday. Although England had their backs against the walls prior to the fourth game, the likes of Dawid Malan and Matthew Parkinson were up for the task as they paved the way for a sensational win over the hosts. With the action moving to another high-scoring ground, Eden Park, both teams are set to feature in yet another run-fest.

Both teams have had their moments in the series so far. Although England’s best batsman, Jonny Bairstow hasn’t fired at all, Dawid Malan has stood out with 208 runs in four games so far. Eoin Morgan and Chris Jordan have also done their bit in derailing the Kiwis, for whom the Auckland pair of Colin Munro and Martin Guptill has critically underperformed. With the series on the line, both teams should give in their best in what promises to be a fitting end to an entertaining series.

Weather Condition/Report

Although the weather has been great over the course of the series, it isn’t the case for this game. Persistent rains throughout the day may force the game to be shortened or even washed out. While there isn’t any rain on the forecast during the afternoon, the showers seemingly pick up in the latter half. Cloudy conditions are a given in Auckland on Sunday.

Pitch Condition/Report

Another high-scoring encounter is on the cards at the Eden Park. With the relatively small boundaries in place, batsmen are expected to make full use of a flat pitch. Chasing will be preferred by both sides with the prospect of DLS also coming into play in Auckland.

Average first innings score:  172 (18 T20Is played at Eden Park)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 6, Lost – 10, Tied – 2

Injury and Availability News

(Will be shared when there’s an update)

Probable Playing XIs for Dream11 Fantasy

New Zealand

Colin Munro, Martin Guptill, Tim Seifert (WK), Colin de Grandhomme, Ross Taylor, James Neesham, Ish Sodhi,  Tim Southee (C), Trent Boult, Scott Kuggeleijn, Mitchell Santner.

Bench: Daryl Mitchell, Blair Tickner.

England

Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, Eoin Morgan (C), Sam Billings (WK), Lewis Gregory, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Pat Brown, Chris Jordan, Matthew Parkinson.

Bench: Joe Denly, Saqib Mahmood, James Vince, Adil Rashid.

Top Picks

Eoin Morgan showcased his range of shots with a brilliant 91 off just 41 balls in Napier. With the England captain scoring at a strike rate in excess of 175, he is a great asset to the fantasy team. Although Martin Guptill has underwhelmed in the series, he has the highest score in a T20I at this venue and would love to get some runs at his home ground in Auckland.

Tom Banton showed glimpses of what he is capable of with a brisk 31. Given the nature of the pitch, one can expect a good show from the young Englishman. These players should be picked in your Dream11 Fantasy side.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection

Captain – Colin Munro, Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan

Vice-Captain – Martin Guptill, Colin de Grandhomme, Tom Banton

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues for Dream11 Fantasy:

Keeper – Tim Seifert, Tom Banton

Batsmen – Dawid Malan, Martin Guptill, Eoin Morgan (VC), Colin Munro (C)

All-Rounders – Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme

Bowlers – Tom Curran, Trent Boult, Chris Jordan

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues for Dream11 Fantasy:

Keeper – Tom Banton

Batsmen – Jonny Bairstow (C), Colin Munro, Martin Guptill (VC), Dawid Malan

All-Rounders – Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhommme, Sam Curran

Bowlers – Tom Curran, Matthew Parkinson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult

Expert Advice

Top-order batsmen have traditionally scored heavily at this venue. Although Jonny Bairstow and Martin Guptill haven’t scored many runs in the series, they are viable punts in this game.

Avoid picking too many middle-order batsmen in your Dream11 Fantasy side with the nature of the pitch and the top order batsmen bound to limit their time at the crease.

Probable Winners

New Zealand is expected to win this match.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.