Trans-Tasman Tri-series 2018, NZ vs ENG, 6th T20I: Match Predictions

Both the teams will play for the place in the final.

Published - 17 Feb 2018, 17:50 IST | Updated - 17 Feb 2018, 17:50 IST

3 Min Read

The T20I tri-series has reached its climax as the final league stage game between England and New Zealand will take place in Hamilton. It is the virtual semi-final for both the teams after they were bullied by the resurgent Australian side who are still unbeaten in the series and have made it to the final already. The Kiwis have won their first encounter against England and need to make sure they don’t lose by a big margin to them.

England have completely struggled with their combination in this series so far and have lost all their three matches. The game has a lot of context only because of the world record chase by Australia the other day when they gunned down 244. However, it would be tough for them to beat the Kiwis who would be hurting after the loss in the last match.

The visitors also need to win by a decent margin in order to qualify for the final of the tournament. It would be interesting to see the way they approach the game and also would be a miracle if they beat New Zealand and play Australia for the eventual title.

Pitch Conditions

The Seddon Park in Hamilton has usually dished out flat tracks and the same kind of pitch is expected for the game between England and New Zealand on Sunday. The average first innings score at the venue is 169 but the smaller dimensions of the ground should rake in more runs. Also, the teams would prefer chasing after winning the toss as it is difficult to judge a safe score.

Playing Combination

New Zealand

New Zealand is unlikely to tinker much with their combination after one bad game. Though Ben Wheeler might make way for Mitchell Santner if he is fit. The likes of Trent Boult and Tim Southee have to strike with the new ball upfront after which the spinners coukd take control. The batting is totally sorted out with the opening duo of Martin Guptill and Colin Munro fresh off blistering knocks. All of them have had a hit in the middle and they would be backing themselves to win the game.

Probable XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (c), Colin de Grandhomme, Mark Chapman, Ross Taylor, Tim Seifert (wk), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult

England

England possess plenty of problems currently after losing all the three matches of the series. They are lucky to be still alive in the series and should try to make most of this opportunity. Their regular skipper Eoin Morgan is set to make his return after missing key matches due to the groin injury. He will replace James Vince in all probablity though the underperforming Sam Billings is also under the radar after consistent poor show.

Liam Plunkett has been ruled out of the remainder of the series which should give Tom Curran an opporutnity to showcase his skills in the shortest format as well.

Probable XI: Jason Roy, Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Billings, David Willey, Chris Jordan, Tom Curran, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.