• Home
  • Match Hub
  • Icc World Cup 2023 Eng Vs Nz 5 Player Battles To Watch Out For

ICC World Cup 2023, ENG Vs NZ | 5 Player Battles To Watch Out For

image-lnbepo5rEngland will take on New Zealand in the WC opener [AP]

On Thursday, the cricket fraternity will be treated with a blockbuster showdown, as England and New Zealand will take on each other in the first match of the ICC World Cup 2023. The high-octane face-off, which will set the tone for a cracking tournament, is all set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

Both teams are studded with outright match-winners, and all eyes will be on the likes of Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Trent Boult and Devon Conway etc. There are several on-field contests which might decide the game's outcome. So, as both teams gear up for this clash, let's analyse and find out such five key player battles. 


Jonny Bairstow vs Trent Boult

image-lnbeqy92Trent Boult is an exceptional bowler with the new ball [AP]

After recovering from a leg injury, Jonny Bairstow is all set to open the batting for England in the 2023 World Cup. However, the swashbuckling batter could find it challenging to face Trent Boult, who has dismissed him four times in ODI cricket. The experienced speedster swings it both ways and is, therefore, a certain threat to Bairstow in the powerplay. 

Jonny Bairstow vs Trent Boult: 81 runs, 4 dismissals, Average: 20.2, SR: 72.3


Devon Conway vs Reece Topley

Stylish opener Devon Conway will be pivotal for New Zealand in the World Cup, as he has enjoyed a stellar run in ODI cricket. Meanwhile, the English side would want Reece Topley to get him out in the powerplay, as he can make the new ball talk. 

Devon Conway vs Reece Topley: 35 Runs, 1 Dismissal, Average: 35, SR: 76.1


Jos Buttler vs Ish Sodhi

image-lnbervqhJos Buttler has mediocre numbers against Ish Sodhi [AP]

Hailed for his 360 degree stroke play, English skipper Jos Buttler could be a serious threat to the Kiwi bowling lineup in the World Cup opener in Ahmedabad. If Buttler gets going, New Zealand can turn up to ace spinner Ish Sodhi to get his prized scalp, as he has dismissed him twice in ODIs. 

Jos Buttler vs Ish Sodhi: 41 runs, 2 dismissals, Average: 20.5, SR: 128.1


Tom Latham vs Moeen Ali

New Zealand's vice-captain Tom Latham has been one of the most consistent performers in ODIs of late. But veteran English all-rounder Moeen Ali could keep him quiet in the World Cup opener, as he has dismissed him thrice in ODI cricket. 

Tom Latham vs Moeen Ali: 54 Runs, 3 dismissals, Average: 18, SR: 79.4


Ben Stokes vs Mitchell Santner

image-lnbet5tkBen Stokes will play a key role for England [AP]

Considering Mitchell Santner's impeccable accuracy in the middle overs, England would like their premier left-handed batter Ben Stokes to take on the Kiwi spinner in order to unsettle him. However, Santner has dismissed Stokes twice, which makes this battle a must one to watch out for. 

Ben Stokes vs Mitchell Santner: 62 runs, 2 dismissals, Average: 31, SR: 92.5