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England vs New Zealand First T20I Tips - Fiery encounter on the cards

By Sridhar Bhamidi

29 Aug 2023

Sridhar Bhamidi 29 Aug 2023

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England vs New Zealand First T20I predictions to be played at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street on Wednesday night, IST
England have won 7 of their last 12 T20Is played in this country
England have also won 13 of their last 22 T20Is against New Zealand
New Zealand have lost 3 of their last 4 completed T20Is played in England
Can England take a lead in the T20I series?

Can England start their series with a win? (Getty Images)

England vs New Zealand First T20I

England and New Zealand begin their white-ball preparation for the upcoming ODI World Cup with a T20I series. The first of the four T20Is will be played at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street on Wednesday, starting at 10:30 pm IST.

England vs New Zealand First T20I
Head to Head
England Form
England Team News
New Zealand Form
New Zealand Team News

Most of the England stars are coming off The Hundred and will hope to be in good striking form. With some exciting names being added to the squad, they could look to catch New Zealand cold. It won’t be a straightforward result though, but I am backing England to win here.

England have won 7 of their last 12 matches played in England (T20Is)
England have won 13 of their last 22 matches against New Zealand (T20Is)
New Zealand have lost 3 of their last 4 completed matches (T20Is)
Tim Southee has taken at least 2 wickets in 8 of his last 14 matches (T20Is)

Head to Head

England have played New Zealand in 23 T20Is so far winning 13 and losing eight. One of the remaining matches is tied while the other ending as a no result.

England Form

England are looking at this series as a pre-cursor to their ODI World Cup which is why they are rotating a number of players. Josh Tongue and John Turner have had to withdraw though, owing to injuries.

That opened up space for Tymal Mills and Chris Jordan, although the latter is still trying to underline his value in the format. Both could be upstaged by the likes of Gus Atkinson and Luke Wood as England look to broaden their player pool.

The hosts are last seen in this format in March when they were beaten 3-0 away from home in Bangladesh.

England Team News

England have a wealth of all-rounders at their disposal which means the likes of Rehan Ahmed, Chris Jordan, Ben Duckett and Will Jacks are at risk of missing out.

New Zealand Form

New Zealand last played this format earlier this month when they travelled the UAE for a three-match series. They won the series 2-1, although there are quite a few changes to the squad.

The Kiwis warmed up for this series with a couple of practice matches against Worcestershire and Gloucestershire that they won by seven wickets and 22 runs respectively.

Although the counties were weakened by The Hundred and regional ODI tournament, it was good preparation for the visitors with bowlers using the games to warm up for this series.

New Zealand Team News

New Zealand may also have some tough selection choices to make with the likes of Tim Seifert, and Rachin Ravindra likely to be left out. Adam Milne and Matt Henry are perhaps fighting for one slot while Cole McConchie may edge out Tim Seifert for a place in the playing XI.

England vs New Zealand First T20I FAQs

Where can I watch the England vs New Zealand First T20I live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the England vs New Zealand First T20I live stream.

What time does England vs New Zealand First T20I start?

This England vs New Zealand First T20I will be played at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street, Durham on August 30, Wednesday starting at 10:30pm IST.

Verdict

England have the right firepower to edge New Zealand in this high-octane T20I clash. Both teams have prepared well, but what gives an edge to the hosts is their participation in The Hundred. I am putting my money on England winning this match while Tim Southee could be enjoying another stint with the ball to take two wickets at least.