Cricket World Cup 2023: England v New Zealand Players To Bet On

The 2023 Cricket World Cup opener will be a repeat of the 2019 final when England take on New Zealand on Thursday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The defending champions, England, will be looking to get off to a winning start after a disrupted build-up to the tournament, with games against Ireland and India both seeing no result. We have a betting preview and look at three players to bet on.

Dawid Malan

Dawid Malan has had a fantastic summer, with a stellar performance that saw him score 277 runs in just three ODIs against New Zealand, earning him the well-deserved Player of the Series award.

As England gears up to take on New Zealand on Thursday, the 36-year-old will be leading the charge at the top of the batting order, aiming to replicate his impressive form and contribute significantly to his team’s total.

Back him to score 50+ runs at 2.50, or if you looking for more value, bet on him to be England’s top batter at 4.00.

Trent Boult

New Zealand will be boosted by the return of Trent Boult. He has taken at least two wickets in nine of his last ten ODIs and will be a huge threat to opposition batters with his ability to take wickets upfront. Back him to be the Black Caps’ top bowler at healthy odds of 3.25.

Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes has scores of 84*, 52, 1 and 182 in his last four ODIs against the Kiwis, with the 182 making him the highest individual scorer in England’s ODI history. He’s also a player who steps up when his team needs him, so expect him to be eager to get his team off to a winning start. Bet on him to be England’s top batter or the player of the match in this contest.

Prediction

England come into this contest as favourites but this should be a close encounter as the Black Caps always step up in World Cups. Even though  New Zealand have won ten of their 12 ODI World Cup opening fixtures, including the last two against England, I expect England to get the win.

Stats

The average first innings score at this venue is 235 with the last two ODIs seeing 237 and 265 defended quite easily for wins by 44 and 96 runs respectively.

England have lost only three of their World Cup tournament openers, but two of those have come against New Zealand; including one in the 1996 edition in Ahmedabad.

Ben Stokes has scores of 84*, 52, 1 and 182 in his last four ODIs against the Kiwis with the 182 making him the highest individual scorer in England’s ODI history.

New Zealand have won ten of their 12 ODI World Cup opening fixtures, including the last two against England in 2007 and 1996.

Trent Boult has taken at least two wickets in nine of his last ten ODIs.