New Zealand v England, 5th T20I, Auckland – Preview, likely XIs, prediction

New Zealand v England, 5th T20I, Auckland – Preview, likely XIs, prediction

New Zealand England

It’s been a thrilling series so far, as you’d expect from New Zealand and England. It’s all tied 2-2 at the moment, after England’s stunning victory in Napier in the fourth T20I, when Dawid Malan and Eoin Morgan broke records aplenty to lead the visitors to a 76-run win.

The fourth T20I was everything good about this England side. Powerful, authoritative, and ruthless. Once they posted 241/3 – a T20I record – New Zealand were picked apart by the English bowlers, with Matt Parkinson taking 4/47. After New Zealand’s comeback after the loss in the first T20I, this was some statement from England.

That said, this is so typically England this series. They were there similar dominant self in the first T20I, but then became a mess in the field, and seemed unable to put on partnerships. In Napier with the stakes high, they once again found their best selves.

All departments clicking in tandem is crucial for any team, and whether England, with a young side, can manage that in the

final T20I with the series on the line remains to be seen.

As for New Zealand, the focus will be on forgetting Napier as soon as possible. They can’t dwell on the manner of the loss, and will look to ensure their best selves are put forth in the finale. This should be a cracker.

Head to head

England are ahead in the rivalry at the moment. In 20 T20Is, they have won 12, including two in this series. New Zealand have won seven. They will be desperate to make it eight, for now.

Key players

Tim Southee (New Zealand): The New Zealand paceman has shown himself to be a more than capable absence in Kane Williamson’s absence. His use of Mitchell Santner to dismiss Eoin Morgan in the third T20I was a match-turner, and he was valiant in defeat in the fourth match. He will hope to lead the side to a series win come Sunday.

Dawid Malan (England): The top-order batsman has been in fine form this series. His scores have steadily improved, from 11 in the first T20I, to 39, 55 and 103* in the fourth one. New Zealand will have their eye on him. He needs to be dismissed as early as possible.

Likely XIs

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Tim Seifert (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Ross Taylor, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee (c), Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Blair Tickner

England: Tom Banton, Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan (c), Sam Billings (wk), Sam Curran, Lewis Gregory, Chris Jordan, Tom Curran, Matt Parkinson, Pat Brown

Prediction

That loss would have hurt New Zealand. Expect them to sting back. Home side to win.