Cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the opening match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, which will unfold at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday. Ten nations embark on a six-week quest for cricket’s most coveted prize, commencing with the reigning champions, England, facing off against New Zealand.

English cricket has witnessed a remarkable resurgence since clinching the ODI World Cup title four years ago. They also secured the T20 World Cup with their innovative ‘Bazball’ strategy, demonstrating that great risks can yield great rewards. A potential world title in this tournament could solidify England’s position as one of the greatest limited-overs teams in history.

Over the past 24 months, Matthew Mott’s squad has played 24 ODI matches, winning 12, with a notable improvement in their performance over the past year.

England’s primary strength lies in their explosive lineup, featuring powerful batters adaptable to various positions and a plethora of all-rounders, such as the game-changing Ben Stokes.

Leading up to the World Cup, the Three Lions have won their last five ODIs, including a 3-1 series triumph over New Zealand in September. They will aim to capitalize on a batting-friendly pitch and enter the tournament as bookmakers’ favorites.

While New Zealand may not typically be the favorites to win the World Cup, they have consistently made a significant impact in these competitions and intend to do so again this year.

Over the past two years, the Kiwis have played 36 ODI matches, securing 18 wins and enduring 15 losses, with three matches ending in no-results. Despite their recent struggles in India, New Zealand’s top order, featuring talents like Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Kane Williamson, possesses the ability to deliver match-winning performances.

Currently ranked as the sixth favorite to win the 2023 Cricket World Cup, New Zealand is the underdog in this match but shouldn’t be underestimated, especially with captain Williamson’s return from injury and his recent match-winning innings against Pakistan in warm-up matches.

The Kiwis also received a boost with the return of Tim Southee to the national team, bolstering their strong pace attack alongside Trent Boult. Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi provide spin options for New Zealand.

England Squad:

Jos Buttler (c), Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Gus Atkinson, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, , Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Harry Brook, , Reece Topley, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, David Willey

New Zealand Squad:

Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, , Will Young, Tom Latham, Mitch Santner, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee