ICC World Cup 2019 Match 41, England v New Zealand: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

England recovered from a minor slump that they endured in the middle of their World Cup campaign and beat India by 31 runs at Edgbaston. New Zealand, however, have now suffered two losses, including their last match against Australia which was quite a hiding. 

When these two teams clash at Chester-le-Street for a game, the contest could seal a semifinal berth for either of them.

England roared back to winning ways on the back of the returning Jason Roy and his partner in crime Jonny Bairstow as the duo thwarted India’s strong bowling attack on a helpful surface. England posted 337. 

Their bowlers then bowled smartly at the death and did not let the likes of Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni get away.

New Zealand, on the other hand, had a rather ordinary outing against Australia. First, Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey reduced Australia from a precarious position.

Then, Mitchell Starc devastated the New Zealand batting to give Australia another win in their already flourishing World Cup campaign. The Kiwis will look to bounce back, but it won’t be easy. Batting under pressure while chasing will be key to their success as that’s where they faltered in the last match.

Head to head

New Zealand hold the advantage over England in World Cup clashes, winning five out of the eight games played. England have won three matches. Overall too, New Zealand lead the tally 43-40. The last time the two side met was in Christchurch in March 2018 when England won by seven wickets.

Key players

Jason Roy (England): Roy made a thumping comeback to the side in the match against India and will look to restart from where he left. The Roy-Bairstow partnership is a big threat to any opposition.

Kane Williamson (New Zealand): The New Zealand captain has been the team’s saviour and highest run scorer in the tournament thus far and will look to add to his tally of runs.

Likely XIs

England: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (c), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

New Zealand: Henry Nicholls, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchel Santner, Jimmy Neesham, Trent Boult, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson.

Prediction

New Zealand beat England to advance to the semi final.