Last Updated on 1 month by Charbel Coorey
T20 WC 2021 Semi Final 1: ENG vs NZ Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs New Zealand Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
For the first time since the all-enthralling, all-engrossing and all-engaging 2019 ODI World Cup Final, England and New Zealand meet again in a global white-ball tournament.
And just as was the case then as it is now, England begin as favourites. But, just as was the case then as it is now, New Zealand are more than capable of matching it with any team in the crunchiest of crunch matches.
Yet again, the Black Caps have highlighted their remarkable consistency at ICC tournaments. Finalists in the last two ODI World Cups, consistent Semi Final appearances before that and a breakthrough World Test Championship triumph is testament to a team that can’t simply be referred to as one that “punches above their weight” anymore. They are truly part of the big boys.
They come into this match on the back of four straight victories, including a comfortable win under pressure against Afghanistan to seal qualification ahead of India. Their bowling has been outstanding, with their seam attack complimenting their spinners perfectly to make life difficult for all batting lineups. Also, the form of Martin Guptill, time at the crease for Kane Williamson and Devon Conway and finishing capabilities of Glenn Phillips and James Neesham makes New Zealand a very dangerous proposition.
So, England will have to be on their game. The loss of Jason Roy is a blow, but we don’t talk about England’s great depth for the sake of it. They can slot in Jonny Bairstow in his place and turn to Sam Billings if they so wish – a luxury that any team around the world would love to have. Their loss against South Africa in their last match might just be the reminder needed to be on their game in this crunch Semi Final.
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
England:
- What a tournament Jos Buttler has had. Arguably player of the World Cup so far. He scored the second-most runs in the Super 12s (240) at an average of 120.00 and strike rate of 155.84.
- Buttler has scored 176 runs in eight innings against New Zealand at an average of 35.20 and strike rate of 155.75. Also, Buttler has a terrific record at Abu Dhabi, with 209 runs in seven innings at an average of 52.25 and strike rate of 143.15.
- Dawid Malan has had a quiet tournament. But, today could be his day as he has had great past success vs New Zealand, including a century. Overall, he has scored 320 runs in six innings against them at an average of 64.00 and strike rate of 157.64.
- Eoin Morgan has the most runs of any England player against New Zealand. The skipper has smashed 424 runs at an average of 35.33 and strike rate of 146.21.
- Liam Livingstone has scored 54 runs at an average of 54.00 and strike rate of 120 on this ground. He also has two wickets at an economy rate of 5.00, and he could be key here against New Zealand’s right-handers.
- Livingstone looked in fine touch against South Africa (28 off 17 balls) before just missing out on a six at long off. He has scored 1,284 runs in short-form matches this year at an average of 37.76 and strike rate of 154.89.
- Moeen Ali has taken at least one wicket in each innings he has bowled in at this World Cup. But, New Zealand have three right-handers in their top three, so England may hold Moeen until the left-handers come to the crease.
- Chris Jordan has the most wickets of any current England bowler against New Zealand (8 matches, 9 wickets, econ. 8.26). Adil Rashid has the most wickets for England in this tournament (8), and has seven wickets in as many matches vs NZ (econ. 8.48).
New Zealand:
- Martin Guptill is New Zealand’s highest run-scorer so far in this tournament (176, avg. 35.20, SR 131.34). He has made at least a start in each game (lowest score of 17), including looking good in his 28 vs Afghanistan on this ground.
- Guptill has the most runs of any player in ENG-NZ T20Is (467, avg. 33.36, SR 145.48). However, he will be looking to improve on a poor record at this ground: 7 inns, 97 runs, avg. 13.86, SR 108.99.
- Kane Williamson has a solid record against England. In six matches, the NZ skipper has struck 210 runs at an average of 42.00 and strike rate of 128.05. Also, he loves batting at Abu Dhabi, with 269 runs in seven matches at an average of 53.80 and strike rate of 121.72.
- Devon Conway averages 54.60 in eight T20Is batting at number four. This includes an assured 36* vs Afghanistan on this ground.
- Trent Boult has taken the third-most wickets of any bowler so far in this tournament (5 matches, 11 wickets, avg. 10.45, econ. 5.84). He has nine wickets in seven matches vs England, but is usually very expensive (econ. 10.64).
- Mitchell Santner has the most wickets of any bowler in ENG-NZ T20Is. His 16 wickets come at a brilliant average of 16.13 and economy rate of 8.28.
- Ish Sodhi has taken at least one wicket in each of his five matches in this tournament (total of eight wickets). However, he has historically struggled vs England, with eight wickets in as many matches at an expensive rate of 11.04 per over. But, these conditions (slower pitch, bigger ground) should suit Sodhi.
Stats and Facts
- Head-to-head: Matches 21, England 13, New Zealand 7, N/R 1.
- Jonny Bairstow has been under-par in this World Cup. But, he is likely to return to opener, where he can make a mark. He averages 20.29 in eight matches vs New Zealand and 25.60 in five matches at Abu Dhabi.
- Mitchell Santner has dismissed Bairstow three times in T20Is at an average of just six.
- Glenn Phillips will be key as a finisher. He scored a 21-ball 39* against Namibia after helping rescue the innings in the previous game vs Scotland with 33.
- Tim Southee is conceding just 5.70 runs per over in this T20 World Cup. His seven wickets cost just 16.28 runs a piece.
Possible Playing 11
Jason Roy is out of the tournament with a calf injury. So, England could look at replacing him with either Sam Billings or another bowling option in David Willey.
England: 1. Jos Buttler (wk), 2. Jonny Bairstow, 3. Dawid Malan, 4. Eoin Morgan (c), 5. Liam Livingstone, 6. Moeen Ali, 7. Sam Billings/David Willey, 8. Chris Woakes, 9. Chris Jordan, 10. Adil Rashid, 11. Mark Wood
New Zealand look settled and should stick with the same XI.
New Zealand: 1. Martin Guptill, 2. Daryl Mitchell, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Devon Conway (wk), 5. Glenn Phillips, 6. James Neesham, 7. Mitchell Santner, 8. Adam Milne, 9. Tim Southee, 10. Ish Sodhi, 11. Trent Boult
Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather
Chief curator Mohan Singh was tragically found dead on the morning of the New Zealand-Afghanistan match. Singh has produced some superb pitches in recent times, with three scores of over 189 in the last five matches.
Pitch 7 will be the surface used in this one. This was the same surface used in the South Africa-Bangladesh and Pakistan-Namibia matches, where there was bounce and assistance for both bowlers and batsmen.
Dew is likely to be around, so expect the captain who wins the toss to choose to chase.
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:

Option 2:

Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
- Wicket-keepers: Jos Buttler
- Batsmen: Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill, Dawid Malan
- All-rounders: Moeen Ali, Mitchell Santner
- Bowlers: Trent Boult, Chris Jordan
Match Prediction
England start as favourites in this clash, but never count New Zealand out. If the team batting first doesn’t cross at least 160, then this will put the chasing side in a very good position.