Match Details
- Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- Date: 1st November 2019
- Time: 6:30 AM IST
- League: England tour of New Zealand
New Zealand Preview
New Zealand and England went head-to-head in the World Cup 2019 final which turned out to be the best one day international match. While the memories from the final must be fresh for New Zealand, the team would be keen on showing their dominance at home. In the absence of Kane Williamson, Tim Southee will be leading the New Zealand team in the T20I series. Martin Guptill and Colin Munro will likely be opening the innings for the home team.
While Ross Taylor will be a crucial figure at number 3, Colin de Grandhomme, and Daryl Mitchell are crucial lower down the order in a finisher’s role. Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee will be leading the bowling attack for the Kiwis while it may not be a great day for bowlers on this track at Hagley Oval. While James Neesham hasn’t been in great touch with the ball, Michell Santner could be a good bowling all-rounder option. Overall, the all-rounders would play a big role for New Zealand in this T20I match.
England Preview
England has rested a few players for this series while making way for two debutantes. Pacer Patric Brown and leg-spinner Matt Parkinson have made it to the squad and would be keen on making their debut in this series. While wicket-keeper Tom Banton is included in the T20 squad for England, Jonny Bairstow is more likely to open the innings with Dawid Malan. James Vince is another opening option for skipper Eoin Morgan, who would enjoy himself at number 3.
Chris Jordan, Saqib Mohammad and Adil Rashid form the bowling attack other than the two debutantes. In addition, bowling all-rounders Sam Curran and Tom Curran have also been included in the squad for England. It doesn’t paint a good picture for England in the bowling department. Sam Curran could turn out to be expensive while Adil Rashid would be the only bowler Morgan would rely on for the best results. However, since the pitch at this venue is more likely to favour the batsmen, England would back Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, and James Vince to make the most of it. If Malan doesn’t make it to the playing XI, James Vince would be the key batsman in the top-order.
Match Prediction
New Zealand to win the match
New Zealand has a strong all-round side while England has rested its many of their regular players. England’s bowling attack seems weak with not many experienced and reliable bowling options while New Zealand’s squad is packed with strong all-rounders.
Fantasy Team Tips
- Tim Seifert and Sam Billings would be in crucial roles as wicket-keeper batsmen for their respective teams. While Sam Billings has an attacking style of play and would be very handy in the middle, Tim Seifert could add crucial runs along side an attacking all-rounder like Grandhomme in the middle.
- Martin Guptill and Colin Munro would be opening the innings for New Zealand and either of them is likely to play a big innings. On the other hand, Jonny Bairstow has been England’s biggest asset at the top.
- While for all-rounders, New Zealand has many options, James Neesham has experience under his belt and would be important in a finisher’s role with the bat.
- Lockie Ferguson has been the top bowler for New Zealand with his ability to give breakthroughs when the team needs it the most. He’s the bowler with biggest impact in the New Zealand side.
Fantasy Team Prediction
- Wicket-Keeper – Tim Seifert, Sam Billings
- Batsmen – Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, James Vince/Dawid Malan, J Bairstow
- All-rounders – James Neesham, Sam Curran
- Bowlers – Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, C Jordan
- Captain – J Bairstow
- Vice-Captain – Colin Munro