CWC 2019: ENG vs NZ Preview – High stakes call for high-voltage drama

After suffering 3 humiliating defeats from the most unexpected teams in this World Cup, hosts England bounced back to their destructive best against India on Sunday. Their batting clicked with the return of a certain Jason Roy and their bowling was top-notch. Now with all the qualification hopes pinned on their last league game against New Zealand, they will be riding high on momentum and confidence. With 10 points in 8 matches, England are one win away from securing a semi-final berth.

On the other hand, New Zealand may have peaked too early for their own good. Their unbeaten 5-match winning streak was first broken by Pakistan at Edgbaston. Then Australia came along and hunted them down with much gusto at Lord’s. Having lost two matches on the trot and almost nearing qualification, they’ll be eager to avoid a hat-trick of defeats. The Kiwis have 11 points in 8 matches and they need this win as much as England does.

Also read: Qualification scenario – Who needs to do what?

Match Info

England vs New Zealand, 41st match

Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street

Sri Lanka played their last two league matches at this venue. In the first, they were bundled out for a measly 203 but went on to score 338 in the second. It should be a good wicket to pile on the runs.

Head-to-Head

New Zealand have historically enjoyed an upper hand over England in World Cups. In the 8 encounters between both teams, they have come out victorious on 5 occasions. England have only won thrice and they’ll be looking to add another one to the tally.

Team News

England (Recent form: W L L W W)

With Roy back at the top and Liam Plunkett roaring wickets, England appear to have found the right team balance. Ben Stokes continues his magic touch with the bat and that only deepens England’s batting strength. Against the Indian batsmen, their plan of bowling more cutters and slower ones worked to perfection. They will be happy to employ a similar strategy against the Kiwis and get the in-form Williamson back in the hut early on. Jofra Archer had a rare off day in the last match, but that will only inspire him to come back stronger. England are likely to retain their playing XI for this crucial fixture.

New Zealand (Recent form: L L W W NR)

The focus really is on New Zealand’s opening conundrum that has often been overshadowed by Williamson’s innings of resurrection. The English bowlers will be going hard at the Kiwi openers with the new ball and it is Guptill who needs to take charge upfront. Considering the fact that this is a high-voltage encounter, Colin Munro may find his way back to strengthen the top order. Jimmy Neesham, who had almost given up on his cricket dream, is now having the time of his life in this World Cup. His all-round contribution holds New Zealand in good stead. Trent Boult is slowing coming into his own, but it is the fiery Lockie Ferguson that tops their bowling charts with 17 wickets in 7 games.

Probable XI

England: J Roy, J Bairstow, J Root, E Morgan (c), B Stokes, J Buttler (wk), C Woakes, L Plunkett, J Archer, A Rashid, M Wood

New Zealand: C Munro/H Nicholls, M Guptill, K Williamson (c), R Taylor, T Latham, Colin de Grandhomme, J Neesham, M Santner, I Sodhi/M Henry, L Ferguson, T Boult

Stat Attack

• Trent Boult is 2 wickets away from becoming the highest wicket-taker for New Zealand in World Cups. He will surpass Daniel Vettori and Jacob Oram who have taken 36 wickets each.
• Martin Guptill needs 108 runs to surpass Stephen Fleming in becoming New Zealand’s highest run-scorer in World Cups
• Jos Buttler is 3 dismissals away from completing 200 dismissals in ODIs