ENG vs NZ Match Preview
The third One Day International (ODI) witnessed a remarkable display of batting prowess by the England team, with particular emphasis on the performance of Ben Stokes. Having returned from retirement to assist his team in defending their World title, Stokes delivered a stunning performance, pulverizing the New Zealand bowling attack to score an impressive 182 runs from just 124 balls. This achievement marks the highest score by an English batsman in ODIs.
Stokes partnered with Malan, who contributed a well-made 96 runs, to establish a 199-run partnership for the third wicket, laying the foundation for a formidable total. With Liam Livingstone and Jos Buttler also making valuable contributions, the middle order appears to be in good shape for the hosts.
However, the form of Johnny Bairstow and Joe Root remains a cause for concern. The bowlers have performed adequately thus far, and it may be wise to bet against Root in this match as well.
Reece Topley has emerged as the standout bowler, having taken five wickets, and has received commendable support from Chris Woakes and Liam Livingstone. Sam Curran and Gus Atkinson are two other seamers who have shown promise, although the spin department appears to be understaffed.
On Wednesday, the New Zealand cricket team experienced a lackluster performance, with the exception of Trent Boult's impressive 5-wicket haul. Ben Lister also managed to secure 3 wickets, albeit at a high cost, while Lockie Ferguson, Kyle Jamieson, and Glenn Phillips struggled to contain the opposition's scoring.
Despite Phillips' commendable batting display, scoring 76 runs, the team was unable to overcome the daunting target, as wickets continued to fall around him.
While New Zealand boasts a talented roster, there is a need for greater cohesion and teamwork. Henry Nicholls and Tom Latham have struggled to make significant contributions with the bat, and Devon Conway, who previously scored a century in the first ODI, has been unable to replicate his success.
Weather Report
The weather will remain clear for most of the time and the temperature will remain below 25 degrees Celsius.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Lord’s is well-balanced and we can expect an even contest between the bat and the ball. The average first-inning score here is around 240, which is a par score. Anything over 260 will be tricky to chase. The pitch has some grass over it and the seamers will have a good time with the ball.
Notable stats
Trent Boult: ODI Legend
Trent Boult picked his 6th 5-wicket haul during the 2nd ODI to surpass Richard Hadlee to register the most 5-wicket hauls for New Zealand.
Team News
There are no updates regarding injuries from either side.
ENG vs NZ Probable 11
ENG Playing 11
- Johnny Bairstow
- Dawid Malan
- Joe Root
- Jos Buttler (C)
- Ben Stokes
- Moeen Ali
- Liam Livingstone
- Sam Curran
- Chris Woakes
- Reece Topley
- Gus Atkinson
NZ Playing 11
- Devon Conway
- Henry Nicholls
- Tom Latham (C)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Will Young
- Glenn Phillips
- Rachin Ravindra
- Kyle Jamieson
- Trent Boult
- Ben Lister
- Lockie Ferguson
Dream11 Prediction
We are backing England to win this match. They have been the dominant side in the last two matches and the batting has been in especially good shape. England enjoys a good record against New Zealand and that should give the team plenty of confidence as it heads into this contest.
Top Picks
Ben Stokes: Ben Stokes slammed a career-best score in his last outing. New Zealand is one of his favorite opponents as he has scored 661 runs against them at an average of 55.08.
Daryl Mitchell: Daryl Mitchell is the leading run-scorer for New Zealand in this ODI series. He has scored 192 runs in 3 innings.
Reece Topley: Reece Topley has picked up 18 wickets in the last 12 matches and with a seam-friendly wicket on offer, he can be quite effective.
ENG vs NZ Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: J Buttler, D Conway
Batters: B Stokes (C), G Phillips, D Malan
All-rounders: M Ali, D Mitchell (VC), L Livingstone
Bowlers: T Boult, C Woakes, R Topley
