Match 1st T20I
England Tour of New Zealand 2025 (T20Is)
October 18, 2025, 11:45 am
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New Zealand
Odds » 2.4
VS.
England Logo
England
Odds » 1.57
Hagley Oval, Christchurch

NZ vs ENG Today’s Match Prediction & Cricket Betting Tips: England Tour of New Zealand T20I Series, 1st T20I, October 18

Published on: Oct 17, 2025 11:40 am IST | Updated on: Oct 16, 2025 4:51 pm IST

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After getting bullied by Australia at home, the Black Caps are all set to host the English side for 3 T20Is and 3 ODI series starting from October 18 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The first two T20Is will be played at this very venue, whereas the third T20I will be played at the iconic Eden Park in Auckland. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st NZ vs ENG T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Win Probability: NZ vs ENG

The Black Caps must be eager to stamp their authority in this series, especially after going down against Australia in their last series. The Black Caps would be eager to prove their point, and despite a strong English side, they will face a big threat. Expect England to come all guns blazing, but for now, the win probability meter should be leaning towards the home side. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st NZ vs ENG T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

ENG: 43% win chance
NZ: 57% win chance

  • New Zealand is heading into this game on the back of a series loss to Australia at home.
  • They have won two and lost two of their last 5 T20Is, including a no-result game against Australia.
  • The English team is heading into this game on the back of three wins from their last 5 T20Is. Two games ended without a result.

Cricket Betting Tips for NZ vs ENG- 1st T20I

Tim Seifert to score Over 19.5

Perhaps the only batter in the Blackcaps unit who puts his money on strike-rate. The wicket-keeper batter has scored 389 runs in his last 10 T20I innings and will be a key figure at the top.

Tim Robinson to score Over 19.5

The young right-hander scored a ton in the recently concluded T20I series against Australia. In the last 5 T20Is Robinson has scored 204 runs at a striking rate of 143.66.

Phil Salt to score Over 23.5

The swashbuckling English opener has scored 342 runs in his last 7 T20I innings at a scintillating strike-rate of 188.95. He will be a prime bet in this game.

Jos Buttler to score Over 25.5

Jos Butller is Salt's partner in crime. The veteran opener was in a scintillating form against South Africa in the last series he played and will be a vital cog in this series as well.

NZ vs ENG Today’s Match Prediction

Check out our prediction for the NZ vs ENG 1st T20I at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

New Zealand will look to get better at home after a disappointment against Australia

New Zealand will be eager to bounce back when they host England in a three-match T20I series starting October 18. The Blackcaps are coming off a disappointing home series against Australia, where they lost 2-0 in a three-match contest, exposing gaps in both batting depth and bowling execution.

With Mitchell Santner returning to lead the side, New Zealand will hope for more stability and sharper decision-making on the field. The squad looks more settled this time, with a mix of experienced campaigners and promising young talent. Playing at home, where conditions are familiar and crowd support is strong, the Blackcaps will aim to reset their rhythm and regain confidence.

England, known for their aggressive T20 approach, will pose a stiff challenge. But New Zealand’s focus will be on executing their plans better, especially in the death overs and powerplay phases, where they faltered against Australia.

This series offers a fresh opportunity for the hosts to reassert their dominance at home and build momentum ahead of a packed international calendar. A strong start in the first T20I could set the tone for a spirited comeback.

England will look to put New Zealand under pressure after their debacle against Australia

England will be keen to seize early momentum when they take on New Zealand in the first T20I of the three-match series starting October 18. With the hosts still reeling from a 2-0 defeat against Australia, England will look to exploit their vulnerabilities and pile on the pressure from the outset.

Led by Harry Brook, England’s XI features a dynamic blend of power-hitters and versatile all-rounders. The top order—Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, and Tom Banton—can dismantle attacks in the powerplay, while the middle order boasts depth with Sam Curran and Jordan Cox. The bowling unit, spearheaded by Adil Rashid and Luke Wood, offers a mix of pace and spin suited to New Zealand conditions.

New Zealand’s recent struggles, especially in defending totals and handling pressure moments, present an opportunity for England to dominate. If the visitors can strike early with the ball and maintain intensity in the field, they could rattle the Blackcaps and set the tone for the series. England will aim to dictate terms and extend New Zealand’s woes at home. A strong performance in the opener could go a long way in shaping the narrative of the tour. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.

NZ vs eNG Head-to-Head

Matches Played: 27
NZ won: 10
ENG won: 16
No Result: 1
RECENT form AUSTRALIA: W W L W W
RECENT form NEW ZEALAND: W W W W L

England and New Zealand have squared off against each other 27 times in ODI cricket. England has the upper hand with 16 wins, and New Zealand has just 10 wins to their name. One match between the two ended without a result.

Team Analysis: New Zealand vs England

How will the two teams, i.e., New Zealand and England, fare in the 1st T20I? Let’s take a look.

New Zealand (NZ)

  • New Zealand has announced a 14-man squad for this series, led by skipper Mitchell Santner, who is returning to the squad after an injury layoff.
  • Kane Williamson will be missing this series, along with pacer Ben Sears, due to a left hamstring injury.
  • Finn Allen (foot), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Lockie Ferguson (hamstring) were all unavailable for selection.
  • Devon Conway and Tim Seifert will be opening the innings.
  • Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, and Jimmy Neesham will be forming the rest of the batting order.
  • Kyle Jamieson is back in the squad and will be forming the pace attack alongside Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy. Skipper Santner will be the lone spinner in the lineup.

Expected Starting 11

Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (WK), Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner (C), Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

England (ENG)

  • The English side has already announced their eleven for this match.
  • Phil Salt and Jos Buttler to open the innings.
  • Skipper Harry Brook is expected to bat at no 3 followed by Tom Banton, Jordan Coz, and Sam Curran.
  • In the bowling unit, the onus would be on the likes of Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, and Luke Wood.

Expected Starting 11:

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Jordan Cox, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood

Weather Conditions and Pitch Report

Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st T20I match between New Zealand and England at Hagley Oval in Christchurch:

Pitch ReportWeather Report
Hagley Oval offers a balanced surface with good pace and bounce early on, favoring fast bowlers.The forecast predicts light rain showers during the day with a 47% chance of precipitation.
Batters can score freely once they settle, especially in the second innings under lights.Temperatures will range between 9°C and 21°C, with high humidity peaking at 97%.
Spinners may come into play in the middle overs, but seamers will likely dominate.Wind speeds could reach up to 24 km/h, potentially affecting high catches and swing.
A score of 170+ could be competitive, depending on weather interruptions.Evening showers may disrupt play, with 86% chance of rain expected at night.

Toss Prediction

With overcast conditions and a fresh Hagley Oval pitch offering early seam movement, the toss-winning captain may choose to bowl first. Chasing under lights could be easier, especially if dew sets in. Both teams will look to exploit the new ball, making early breakthroughs crucial in the first innings.

Where To Watch Today’s Match

The online live streaming of the 1st T20I match of New Zealand vs England will take place live on the SonyLiv App and Amazon Prime App. TV viewers can watch this series live on Sony Sports Channels.

NZ vs ENG: Today’s Match Predictions

England holds the edge heading into the 1st T20I, with a settled XI and New Zealand still regrouping after their loss to Australia. If England’s top order fires and their bowlers exploit early movement, they could take the lead. However, home conditions may still keep the Blackcaps in the contest. Therefore, as per our prediction, the visitors, England, are expected to win the NZ vs ENG 1st T20I match of the three-match series.

New Zealand  Logo
Odds » 2.4
VS.
England Logo
Odds » 1.57