England and New Zealand will kick off the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup with a day-night match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 5, 2023.
Both teams are considered to be among the favorites to win the tournament, and this opening match should be a thrilling contest.
Team news
England will be looking to defend their title in 2019, and they have a strong squad with a good mix of experience and youth. Their batting lineup is led by Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, and Joe Root, all of whom are world-class batsmen. They also have a lot of depth in their bowling attack, with Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, and Chris Woakes all capable of taking wickets.
New Zealand will also look to go one better than their 2019 performance, where they lost to England in the final. They have a very well-balanced team, with a strong batting lineup and a bowling attack that can be dangerous in all conditions. Both proven match-winners, Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill, lead their batting lineup. Their bowling attack is led by Trent Boult and Tim Southee, one of the best new-ball pairings in the world.
Betting odds
England is the favorite to win the match, with odds of 1.75. A $100 bet on England would return $175 if they win. New Zealand is the underdog, with odds of 2.25. A $100 bet on New Zealand would return $225 if they win.
The Narendra Modi Stadium is a large stadium with a capacity of over 125,000 people, and it is expected to be packed for this opening match of the World Cup.