The first match of the T20I series between New Zealand and England is on October 18 in Christchurch. Here are the latest odds for who will win.
Since their 1-4 series loss to India, England have shown improved form, clean-sweeping West Indies 3-0, drawing 1-1 with South Africa, and beating Ireland 2-0. Harry Brook is set to return as captain after Jacob Bethell led the side against Ireland. New Zealand, on the other hand, had won three consecutive series before stumbling to a 1-2 defeat against Australia in October.
This will be the first T20I between the two teams since 2023, when their four-match series was drawn.
New Zealand vs England, first T20I: Who will win?
In the history of T20Is, England have the upper hand over their rivals, winning 15 matches and losing 10, with one tie and one no-result. Factoring in their recent form and New Zealand coming off a series defeat to Australia, England are favourites to clinch the opener. This is reflected by England's superior match odds of 8/13 on Spread Ex, compared to New Zealand's 13/10.
NZ vs ENG, first T20I: Which side will hit more sixes?
Historically, New Zealand grounds have seen teams score at 8.70 runs per over, the best rate among Full Members and third-best overall.
Given that England's batters have scored at 9.95 runs per over since the start of 2023 – the second-best among Full Members – we can surely expect some fireworks. The presence of Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, and Harry Brook means a six-hitting slugfest is likely to take place. New Zealand also possesses firepower, with Tim Seifert ranking in the top 10 for most T20I sixes by a Full Member player this year. However, England's all-round batting lineup makes them more potent in hitting sixes, backed by the Spread Ex's odds of 4/6 compared to New Zealand's 6/4.
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