As the excitement starts, all eyes are on London, ready to host the climactic duel of the ongoing England and New Zealand bilateral series. Cricket enthusiasts are already buzzing about the 3rd ODI at Kennington Oval, with the grand finale slated at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Series at a Glance
Currently, the series scoreboard is neck and neck, with England bouncing back valiantly in the second ODI against the Black Caps. Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell were the stars for the Kiwis in the first ODI, steering their team to an exhilarating chase of 292 runs. England’s robust reply saw standout performances from Jos Buttler, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, and Liam Livingstone, each crossing the half-century mark.
England’s Canvas: Setting the Stage
In a power-packed comeback, Stokes announced his strong return to the ODIs with a solid half-century. Buttler and Livingstone have showcased their prowess, hinting at a promising run in the lead-up to the World Cup in 2023. However, the lineup will miss Malan in the second ODI, with Jonny Bairstow stepping in as he takes leave for the birth of his child.
New Zealand’s Counter: A Glimpse into the Strategy
Under Tom Latham’s captaincy, New Zealand is not holding back either, with plans to rotate the squad to ensure all members get ample playing time before the 2023 World Cup. Mitchell is hitting his stride, shining brightly in the initial matches. Ravindra’s skillful spin and Boult’s powerful comeback have been the talk of the series, adding a menacing edge to the Kiwi lineup.
However, the squad will be without Mark Chapman and Jimmy Neesham due to paternal duties, along with Ish Sodhi, who is taking a break before the hectic season ahead.
What have they done so far?
England is fresh off their first bilateral series post-Ashes, with most players actively participating in domestic tournaments recently. The team faced a setback in the first ODI against New Zealand, marking their third consecutive defeat in the white ball series. However, they managed to level the series in the second ODI, showcasing a promising comeback.
Conversely, New Zealand has been a whirlwind of performances, boasting a victorious T20I series against the UAE, followed by a spirited display in the ongoing series against England.
Head to Head Record
The battle between the two nations in the ODI format has been nothing short of electrifying. Out of 93 matches, New Zealand narrowly leads with 44 victories compared to England’s 43. This close competition sets the stage for an exhilarating continuation of their historic rivalry.
Key Players
Liam Livingstone (England): Livingstone has become a force to reckon with in the current series, delivering stellar performances in both ODIs. Not only is he the highest run-scorer for England in this series, but his bowling and fielding skills are also proving to be vital assets.
Trent Boult (New Zealand): Boult has been a linchpin for the Kiwis, making a significant impact with his new-ball bowling. His remarkable performance in the last match, claiming three wickets in the initial powerplay, showcases his crucial role in the Kiwi lineup.
Predicted XIs
England: Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (C & WK), Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Gus Atkinson, Reece Topley
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (C & WK), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry
Prediction
As we near the end of this thrilling series, predicting a winner is becoming increasingly challenging. Both teams have exhibited remarkable skills and strategies. However, considering the recent performances and familiarity with the grounds, England might just inch ahead to claim victory in the upcoming clashes.
Image Source – English Jagran
