ENG Vs NZ 1st Innings Update
In a much-anticipated match between England and New Zealand, we have the Brits putting up a target of 180 for Black Caps to chase. After winning the toss, England opted to bat first. Buttler scored the highest 73 runs off 47 balls. Let us look at ENG Vs NZ 1st Innings Update in detail.
Let us dice into ENG Vs NZ 1st Innings Update
Openers’ Show for England
Both Hales and Buttler hit half-centuries, with the latter being fortunate to be dropped twice. England won the toss well, and their openers laid a solid foundation. Although spin did put things back, they were always positioning themselves for a huge finale since they had wickets in hand. Buttler scored 73 off 47 and Hales scored 52 off 40. Other batters couldn’t do much but efforts from Livingstone’s 20 off 14 helped the team.
Liam
What Players Said:
Livingstone’s useful innings undid New Zealand’s valiant effort in the last overs. England will believe they have a fair chance of protecting this total with 54 off the next 5 overs. However, New Zealand boasts hitters who are in fantastic form, so they could believe they have a strong opportunity of pursuing this as well.
Alex Hales talked about how he built his innings. He shared his thoughts on the total score. He said, “I think it is a good score. It didn’t feel like a flat, true pitch that you typically get at the Gabba. Jos played exceptionally well to put the accelerator on at the back end, there’s a little bit of spin and tiny bit two-paced, if we bowl well we can defend it. Very good, felt a little bit out of touch last few games, to contribute in a partnership in a big game felt good.”
Talking about the bowling, he said, “They (Southee and Boult) swing it and give it a good chance to swing up top, we had to play reasonably cautiously and once the swing stops look to take the positive option. Changing the pace, hitting the pitch hard and making the batters hit square will be the key.”
Analysis
New Zealand entered this World Cup after losing to Pakistan at home in a tri-series. They once again went unnoticed, but when they faced Australia in the competition opener, they displayed just how deadly they are. Their match against Afghanistan was a washout, but they continued their winning streak by defeating Sri Lanka. England has always been England; they were considered the favourites going into this competition but fell to Ireland in a game hampered by weather, and now that their game against Australia has been called off, they are in a must-win position. There won’t be any changes until the circumstances call for them because both sides have a defined starting lineup.
