Cricket enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the clash between England (ENG) and New Zealand (NZ) in the ICC World Cup 2023 opener, set to take place at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. To ensure you’re prepared for this epic showdown, here’s a comprehensive look at the weather conditions and pitch report.
1. Match Details:
The ENG vs NZ World Cup match is scheduled to commence at 2 pm IST at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium. For cricket aficionados, the action-packed coverage begins at 12.30 pm IST on Star Sports.
2. New Zealand’s Lineup:
New Zealand will be under the leadership of Tom Latham in the absence of Kane Williamson, who is set to make a comeback in the World Cup. The pace attack will feature the return of Trent Boult, alongside Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson.
3. Kane Williamson’s Comeback:
Regular skipper Kane Williamson, who suffered a right knee injury during the IPL earlier this year, will miss the first game. However, the management is leaving no stone unturned to ensure his readiness for New Zealand’s second game on October 9. Trent Boult will also rejoin the ODI squad and participate in the ODI series preceding the World Cup.
4. England’s Squad:
England has already announced a 15-member preliminary squad for the World Cup, with the remarkable return of Ben Stokes from retirement for the ODI World Cup. Stokes was not part of the ENG vs NZ T20I series but is set to shine in the 50-over mega event. Jos Buttler will take the reins of the ODI side, supported by Joe Root and Harry Brook.
5. Notable Absences:
The absence of Jason Roy and Jofra Archer from England’s World Cup squad has garnered attention. Both played pivotal roles in England’s previous World Cup triumph. Archer is grappling with an elbow injury, while Roy seems to have fallen out of England’s plans.
6. Recent Encounters:
In the lead-up to the ICC World Cup 2023, England and New Zealand clashed in T20Is and ODIs. The T20I series concluded in a thrilling 2-2 draw, showcasing the evenly matched skills of both teams. However, England asserted their supremacy in the ODIs, securing a 3-1 series win. These recent clashes have provided valuable insights into each team’s strengths and weaknesses.
Weather Report:
Ahmedabad’s weather for the match is expected to be hot and humid, unlike the rain-affected warm-up games in Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram. Afternoon temperatures are likely to hover around 35 degrees Celsius, with no rain in sight. As evening approaches, the temperature is anticipated to drop to a more comfortable 26 degrees Celsius.
Pitch Report:
The Narendra Modi Stadium is renowned as one of India’s premier batting grounds, with an average first-innings score surpassing 250. Expect a high-scoring contest, with spinners likely to find more assistance from the wicket than pacers. Dew may also come into play, particularly in the October-November matches.
