In a tantalizing rematch of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup final, defending champions England and fierce rivals New Zealand are set to lock horns in the opening match of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, October 5.
England’s journey will be marked by a significant change in leadership as Eoin Morgan hands over the captaincy to Jos Buttler. Jos Buttler, known for his charismatic presence on the field, will be leading a formidable English side, which boasts of powerful hitters like Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and himself. However, concerns hover as Ben Stokes faces a hip injury, casting doubt on his participation in this crucial encounter. On the flip side, Dawid Malan’s commendable record against the Black Caps, featuring two half-centuries and a century within the last month, bodes well for the English unit.
New Zealand’s plight is not without challenges. Captain Kane Williamson, an essential cog in their setup, will be missing the match due to an unrecovered injury. Tom Latham is tasked with leading the Black Caps in Williamson’s absence. The matchup promises an intriguing contest, pitching New Zealand’s robust batting line-up against the aggressive English batsmen.
Adding another layer of excitement, the clash between pace bowlers Lockie Ferguson of New Zealand and England’s Mark Wood will be a spectacle. Cricket enthusiasts are eager to see who among them will bowl the tournament’s fastest delivery.
The Narendra Modi Stadium, a marvel in its own right, is geared up to host this thrilling encounter, marking the start of the 2023 ODI World Cup. As teams finalize their strategies, England’s probable XI has been identified, with Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, potentially Ben Stokes or Harry Brook, captain Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, and Mark Wood set to take the field.
An overview of their historical clashes reveals a neck-and-neck race. Out of 95 matches, England has triumphed 45 times while New Zealand has won 44 encounters. Two matches concluded in a tie, and four ended with no decisive result.
Table: England vs. New Zealand – Head to Head Record
| Total Matches Played | 95 |
| England’s Wins | 45 |
| New Zealand’s Wins | 44 |
| Tied Matches | 2 |
| No Result Matches | 4 |
As the clock ticks towards this mega clash, fans around the world anticipate a game filled with thrill, strategy, and unparalleled cricketing action.
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Source: Zee News
