NZ vs ENG, 3rd T20I Match Prediction: Who will win today’s match between New Zealand and England?
THE three-match T20I series between New Zealand and England culminates at Eden Park, Auckland, on Thursday October 23, with a decisive T20I final.
England recorded a dominant victory in the second match to take a 1-0 lead in the series, leaving hosts New Zealand in a must-win situation to level the series. The tourists are aiming for another triumph in the overseas T20 series, following recent comprehensive victories against Ireland and South Africa. This match represents the last opportunity for the Black Caps to equalize in the three-match series.
After a poor performance in the second game, the pressure is firmly on the home side to return to their best form and prevent the English side from making a clean slate. Eden Park, known for its short boundaries, will test the accuracy of New Zealand bowlers and the power of their batting line-up.
NZ vs ENG, 3rd T20I: Match Details
- Date and time: October 23, 11:45 a.m. IST / 06:15 a.m. GMT / 7:15 p.m. Local
- Place: Eden Park, Auckland
NZ vs ENG, head-to-head record in T20Is
Matches played: 29 | New Zealand won: 10 | England won: 17 | No results:2
Eden Park pitch report
The Eden Park ground in Auckland is widely regarded as a hitters’ paradise, offering plenty of opportunities to score once they get a look at it. Historically, the average first innings score in men’s T20Is has been between 160 and 170, but the compact dimensions of the venue have allowed even over 200 targets to be achieved in recent encounters. The shorter straight and middle boundaries, measuring approximately 64 to 70 yards, often encourage aggressive stroke play throughout the innings.
Initially, fast bowlers can take advantage of the mild evening humidity, which helps generate some swing with the new ball. However, this brief period of assistance quickly disappears as the ball loses its shine. From this point on, hitters typically take charge, relying on timing and placement to exploit the fast outfield.
The surface remains consistent throughout most of the game, providing reliable bounce that builds the hitter’s confidence. While this may not provide a significant turn, spinners who maintain tight lines and vary their pace can still create pressure and pick up crucial wickets. Likewise, seamers who use slower deliveries and cutters effectively can successfully contain runs on an otherwise high-scoring track.
Squads
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Tim Seifert (week), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson
England: Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood
Also READ: Kane Williamson and Nathan Smith return to New Zealand ODI squad for England series
NZ vs ENG, match prediction of the day
Case 1:
- New Zealand win the toss and bat first
- New Zealand power play score: 50-60
- New Zealand overall score: 200-210
Case 2:
- England win the toss and bat first
- England power play score: 60-70
- England overall score: 230-240
Match result: England wins the contest.
Also READ: Phil Salt and Harry Brook shine as England beat New Zealand in second T20I at Hagley Oval
