NZ vs ENG Preview | New Zealand and England to lock horns in T20I series opener in Christchurch, Kiwis eye home advantage

ByUmesh Sharma,SportsCafe Editor

Yesterday at 8:10 PM

New Zealand will host England in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday, October 18. The Blackcaps will look forward to ending their losing run with a win against England in this game, while the latter will aim to continue their winning run in T20Is.

England skipper Harry Brook and New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner

New Zealand have been through a mixed run of form in their last five T20Is, winning and losing two games each, with a no-result game. In their previous game, they are coming off a three-wicket defeat against Australia, following a no-result game and a six-wicket defeat against the Aussies. So, the Blackcaps will aim to win this game against England and come back to winning ways.

On the other hand, England are coming off a 2-0 series win against Ireland in the three-match T20I series last month. They defeated the Irishmen by six wickets in the previous T20I they played. Besides that, the Englishmen have won three games, alongside two no-result games, in their last five fixtures in the T20 internationals. So, the Three Lions will target to continue their winning run with a success against the Kiwis in the T20I series opener.

Form Guide

NZ: W W L NR L

ENG: W A W A W

NZ vs ENG Head-to-Head in T20Is

New Zealand and England have faced each other in 27 T20Is, with England dominating this head-to-head battle, registering 16 wins. On the other hand, New Zealand have won 10 games, including a no-result game. So, both teams will aim to increase their number of wins in this head-to-head rivalry.

Pitch and Weather

It is expected to be a true Hagley Oval surface, good bounce and carry for seamers early, but flattens out under lights.

There will be a cool breeze on Saturday in Christchurch, with clear weather and a temperature hovering around 16 degrees Celsius. There will be no rain threat throughout the entire game.

Team News

Both New Zealand and England will be playing the first T20I of the three-match series, so they will aim to field their best playing XI in this match to start the series on a winning note.

New Zealand Probable XI: Tim Robinson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (WK), Bevon Jacobs, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C), James Neesham, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson.

England Probable XI: Jos Buttler (WK), Phil Salt, Harry Brook (C), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Brydon Carse, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Luke Wood, Adil Rashid, Sony Baker.

Broadcasting Platforms

The first T20I of the three-match series, between New Zealand and England, will be digitally streamed live on the apps and websites of SonyLive and FanCode. For TV viewers, it will be live on the Sony Sports Network.