NZ vs ENG 1st ODI Match Prediction
The first ODI between New Zealand (NZ) and England (ENG) in the ongoing multi-format series will be held at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on Sunday, October 26, 2025. England won the preceding T20I series 1-0, with two games ending as no-results due to rain in Christchurch and Auckland. Now, the focus shifts to the 50-over format, where both teams are eager to assert dominance. So let’s have a look at NZ vs ENG 1st ODI Match Prediction
Match Overview
- Match: New Zealand vs England, 1st ODI
- Date & Time (IST): Sunday, October 26, 6:30 AM
- Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
- Live Broadcast: FanCode (App & Website)
New Zealand has been in excellent ODI form recently. The BlackCaps whitewashed Pakistan in a three-match series and were runners-up at the 2025 Champions Trophy, remaining unbeaten until losing the final to India. England, led by Harry Brook, lost their last home series against South Africa 1-2 but had previously whitewashed the West Indies. While the Three Lions have a strong batting lineup, their inexperienced bowling attack could prove a challenge.
Bay Oval Pitch Report
The Bay Oval is a relatively new international venue, hosting 12 ODI matches since 2014. Teams chasing targets have won 50% of the matches, and teams scoring 300+ runs in the first innings have never lost here. This suggests that winning the toss and batting first could provide a strategic advantage.
- Pitch Type: Balanced, slightly batting-friendly
- Average 1st Innings Score: 300+ runs
Head-to-Head Record (ODIs)
- Matches Played: 96
- New Zealand Wins: 45
- England Wins: 44
- Tied/No Result: 7
The rivalry has been closely contested over decades, with both sides nearly equal in wins. The last ODI between these two teams was held on October 5, 2023, which New Zealand won.
Probable Playing XI
New Zealand
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Kane Williamson
- Tom Latham (wk)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Mark Chapman
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (c)
- Zakary Foulkes
- Jacob Duffy
- Matt Henry
England
- Ben Duckett
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Joe Root
- Jacob Bethell
- Harry Brook (c)
- Jos Buttler
- Sam Curran
- Jofra Archer
- Adil Rashid
- Sonny Baker
- Luke Wood
Key Players to Watch
Probable Best Batter: Joe Root (ENG)
Joe Root is a seasoned No.3 batter and England’s top run-scorer in ODIs. Known for his quick scoring and smart shot selection, Root is expected to play a pivotal role in anchoring England’s innings.
Probable Best Bowler: Mitchell Santner (NZ)
Mitchell Santner, the BlackCaps skipper, is a left-arm orthodox spinner with the ability to generate extra bounce and subtle variations. He is likely to be a key wicket-taking option if New Zealand is to defend their total.
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Match Prediction
Given New Zealand’s consistent ODI form and England’s bowling concerns, New Zealand appears to have a slight edge. However, the match is expected to be competitive, and key performers like Kane Williamson, Joe Root, and Mitchell Santner could decide the outcome.
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**Disclaimer: Predictions are based on analysis and research; they are intended as insights, not certainties. They should be viewed as informational and not as guarantees. **