Exciting New Zealand vs England ODI Clash – Third Match Preview | Hollywoodbets Sports Blog

The five-match series takes centre stage in Wellington, where the Kiwis will look to reignite the spark that powered their opening match victory, while England will aim to build on their second match success and assert dominance.

This seesaw battle is exactly what cricket enthusiasts dream of in a gripping ODI series, with both sides exchanging blows and setting the stage for a cracker of a contest this weekend.

 

 

 

New Zealand’s campaign was impacted by the absence of their captain Kane Williamson in the second ODI due to a hamstring injury, and there is concern he may miss the crucial third match as well. Ross Taylor, nursing a quad injury, might also sit this one out. Should both be sidelined, considerable responsibility will fall on Martin Guptill and the rest of the batting line-up to deliver under pressure.

England identified Colin Munro’s predictability in their last outing, with advice for the Kiwi opener to play straighter and chase balls closer to the stumps, especially during the powerplay. Mark Chapman is likely to feature again, tasked with capitalising on the promise he has shown in recent limited-overs matches.

New Zealand made a bowling switch earlier in the week, replacing leg-spinner Ish Sodhi with pace bowler Lockie Ferguson. However, given the conditions at Westpac Stadium, a return to spin could be beneficial. Boult and Southee form a potent new-ball partnership, with Sodhi and Santner expected to operate in the middle overs alongside de Grandhomme.

The middle overs will be crucial, as the Kiwis need more regular breakthroughs to stop the English batting line-up from settling and accelerating in the slog overs. Southee mentioned this post-defeat at Bay Oval and may be managed to pitch in strategically during the innings.

England showed immense energy in the field at Mount Maunganui, orchestrating four run-outs thanks to sharp efforts from players like Jason Roy and David Willey. Their fielding intensity contrasted with New Zealand’s more subdued performance and could be a deciding factor in the third ODI.

Ben Stokes, Man of the Match in the second ODI, will again be pivotal for England’s prospects. His all-round brilliance means the Kiwis must tactically counter his influence with savvy bowling and tactical batting to unsettle him.

Captained by Eoin Morgan, England will be looking to exploit the challenging conditions at Westpac Stadium, where New Zealand have experienced four defeats in their last 10 ODI matches. England last played here in a World Cup match three years ago and will lean on experienced campaigners like Joe Root to guide them through.

Saturday’s forecast suggests hot and humid weather in Wellington, favouring spinners Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, who will be instrumental in exploiting the pitch conditions. The batting side must remain vigilant, especially against Rashid’s miserly economy recorded at Bay Oval.