The ICC ODI Men’s World Cup 2023 is scheduled to kick start on October 5 between Eng and NZ, the finalists of the last ODI World Cup. Everyone knows England became the champion and how New Zealand fought until the last minute. New Zealand lost because the number of boundaries hit was less than that of England. Fans are anticipating the match from both teams. Both teams will try to win this important match to start the mega event on a high.
Any team (England or New Zealand) that wins this match will raise their chances for the final four. England is starting as the favorite while New Zealand as underdogs. The winning percentage is just tilted towards England but that does not mean that New Zealand can’t win the match. (2019’s World Cup final is an example of that).
New Zealand toured England just before the World and played four ODI matches. The home emerged victorious by 3-1. Both teams had rested their key players to try out some new combinations and players to check their World Cup preparations. Harry Brook was the one who earned a place in the squad while Jason Roy and Jofra Archer were ruled out of the World Cup. Kane Williamson, Southee, and Jason Roy had injury issues in the series. So, the recent outings between the two teams prove England to dominate today.
The Past ODI Record of Both Teams
In their head-to-head record, England and New Zealand are equal even after playing for 50 years. The total number of matches played between them is 95. England and New Zealand both have won 44 each. 3 tied matches while 4 no result matches. This record shows that both teams have a fair chance to win.
ODI World Cup Head-to-Head Record
In the ICC ODI World Cup, England has met New Zealand 10 times. The Black Caps are dominating England in the ICC mega event. New Zealand is leading the table by 5-4. But England have won the final of the 2019 World Cup. So, We can give New Zealand a slight edge when it comes to ICC Tournaments.
The Current Form
England is playing a different brand of cricket. They do not care if they lose or win they follow the new brand that actually worked for them. They have a complete batting lineup from top-to-bottom. Every player can use a long handle. Winning the last series keeps England slightly ahead of New Zealand.
New Zealand on the other hand, has their key players, not in particular for this match as Southee and Williamson will not be in action today’s match. But they are still in a good position to beat England. But Stokes is not playing either.
Top Performers
Jos Buttler, Bairstow, Root, Moin Ali, and Rashid will be the key players for England. Their performance will decide the result of the ICC World Cup Opener. New Zealand, key players are Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway, Chapman, and Santner.
