The first T20I between New Zealand and England will be played on Saturday, 18 October 2025, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The match will start at 06:15 AM BST, 11:45 AM IST, and 07:15 PM local time.
Match Details:
Date and Time: Saturday, 18 October 2025, 07:15 PM local
Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Start Times (other zones): 06:15 AM BST, 11:45 AM IST
Format: T20 International, 1st of the series
Captains: Mitchell Santner (New Zealand) and Harry Brook (England)
Squads: As announced for the tour
Teams Overview and Recent Form
New Zealand enter this match looking to bounce back after losing their last series 2-0 to Australia. The Kiwis will be eager to prove themselves at home. Their batting has been led by Tim Seifert and Tim Robinson, both of whom have been in excellent touch. Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy have been leading the pace attack, while Mitchell Santner has provided control with spin. The Kiwis have a balanced side, but their middle order needs to contribute more consistently if they are to challenge a strong English lineup.
England arrive with momentum and a point to prove ahead of the Ashes. The opening pair of Phil Salt and Jos Buttler has been exceptional, setting the tone early in most matches. The middle order, featuring Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, and Jacob Bethell, has provided finishing strength. Their bowling has been inconsistent at times, but Jamie Overton has been one of the standout performers this year. England’s batting depth gives them an edge in T20 cricket, even in away conditions.
Key Players to Watch
Tim Seifert has been New Zealand’s most reliable batter this season with 497 runs at an average of 49.7 and a strike rate above 165. Tim Robinson has been a revelation, scoring 397 runs in just 14 innings and recently making his first international hundred. Jacob Duffy has been the pick of the bowlers with 23 wickets in 13 games at an average of 13.8.
For England, Phil Salt continues to be an underrated yet destructive opener with over 1400 T20I runs at a strike rate of nearly 170. Jos Buttler’s experience and calm at the crease make him vital for England’s success. Jamie Overton provides value with both bat and ball, having taken 11 wickets in eight games while maintaining a strike rate of one wicket every 13 balls.
Head-to-Head and Venue Insights
In their last five meetings, England have won three while New Zealand have won two, giving England a narrow edge. Hagley Oval has become a more bowler-friendly venue in recent years. The average first-innings score has dropped from around 160 in 2022 to about 137 in 2025. Teams chasing have won 56 percent of matches here, showing a clear advantage for the side batting second. Fast bowlers have averaged 22.5 per wicket with an economy rate of 7.8, while spinners have averaged 27.6 with a similar economy.
Probable Playing XIs
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Devon Conway, Tim Seifert, Bevon Jacobs, Tim Robinson, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson.
England: Harry Brook (c), Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox, Brydon Carse, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Luke Wood.
Pitch Report and Conditions
The Hagley Oval surface is known for its early movement and true bounce, making it ideal for fast bowlers in the opening overs. As the game progresses, batting becomes easier and teams chasing often find success. The average scoring rate in recent T20s has been around eight runs per over. Captains winning the toss are likely to bowl first, taking advantage of early seam movement and dew in the second innings.
Probable Scenarios
If New Zealand bat first, a total around 160 would be competitive. Robinson and Seifert will be key to setting up a strong platform, while Bracewell and Neesham will look to finish well. England’s strong chasing ability could make 170 a defendable target if their bowlers hit the right lengths. If England bat first, they will aim for 170 or more with Salt and Buttler leading the charge.
Match Prediction
Toss Winner: New Zealand
Match Winner: England
Top Batter: Tim Robinson (NZ), Phil Salt (ENG)
Top Bowler: Jacob Duffy (NZ), Jamie Overton (ENG)
Most Sixes: Tim Robinson (NZ), Phil Salt (ENG)
Player of the Match: Phil Salt (ENG)
Expected Scores: New Zealand 140+ if batting first, England 150+ if batting first
Live Streaming and Broadcast
The match will be shown live in New Zealand on TVNZ and Spark Sport. In the United Kingdom, coverage will be available on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Go. In India, viewers can watch live on Sony Sports Network and stream it on SonyLIV. In Pakistan, the match will be available on PTV Sports and ARY ZAP. In Australia, Fox Sports and Kayo Sports will carry the broadcast.
England’s powerful lineup and experience in chasing give them a slight edge, but New Zealand’s home advantage and quality seam attack make this an evenly balanced contest that could go either way.