
England vs. New Zealand Betting Tips: Two predictions for opening Cricket World Cup 2023 match

The 2023 Cricket World Cup kicks off with a repeat of the 2019 final, and if we get a game half as entertaining as that one, we’re in for a great start to the tournament.
Reigning champions England will be quietly confident that they can go back-to-back and are one of the favourites to lift the trophy, but New Zealand have an excellent record in World Cups and this will be a very tough opener. Matt Banks is here to preview the game and pick out his best bets…
Although England beat New Zealand in a four-match ODI bilateral series a few weeks ago, that was on home soil and this will be a different challenge.
The Blackcaps are historically excellent in tournament group stages, boasting eight semi-final appearances in 12 World Cups.
England’s batting line-up is looking a little bit undercooked, and their bowling attack is short on overs.
While we’re backing England to qualify through the group and get to the semi-finals, we’re backing them to start with a loss and tipping the 9/5 underdogs.
England vs New Zealand Tips
There was some controversy in New Zealand cricket circles when last year Trent Boult decided to forego his central contract to focus on franchise cricket.
Now he’s back in black and looking better than ever.
In the ODI series last month he was a real new-ball threat and was dangerous at the death and in the warm-up game against South Africa was swinging it around corners.
Since we’re backing New Zealand to win the game, it makes sense that their best player will be the man who leads them there, making him great value at 12/1.
Devon Conway is a world-class opener with an excellent record in the IPL so he knows how to bat on these pitches.
In the 2023 IPL, the Blackcaps opener scored 672 runs at an average of 51.69 and will be desperate to get off to a good start in this World Cup.
With Kane Williamson missing this game through injury it’ll be up to Conway to shoulder the load for the New Zealand top order and 5/6 odds for him to score 30 or over looks too good to turn down.

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