New Zealand (NZ) will lock horns with England (ENG) in the third and final T20I of the series on Thursday, October 23, at the Eden Park, Auckland. The game will begin at 11:45 am (IST). After the first T20I was washed out due to rain, England bounced back strongly in the second game to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Match Details:
- Match: New Zealand vs England, 3rd T20I, England tour of New Zealand 2025
- Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
- Time: 11:45 am (IST)
- Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
- Live Streaming: FanCode (India), Sky Sport NZ (New Zealand), TNT Sports (UK), Willow TV (USA), Fox Sports (Australia)
Team Overview
England:
England were dominant in the second T20I, producing a complete performance in both batting and bowling departments. After posting a mammoth total of 236 runs, they bowled out New Zealand for just 171. Phil Salt’s explosive 85 off 56 and Harry Brook’s aggressive 78 off 35 powered the English innings. Adil Rashid was once again the standout bowler, grabbing four wickets for 32 runs and ensuring the hosts never settled into rhythm.
Under the leadership of Harry Brook, England’s new-look side seems to be clicking well. Young talents like Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton are contributing alongside experienced players like Buttler, Rashid, and Sam Curran. The visitors will aim to seal the series with another convincing win at Auckland.
New Zealand:
New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, will look to bounce back after a disappointing show in the second T20I. Their bowling lacked discipline as they conceded over 230 runs, while their top order crumbled early in the chase. Only two batters crossed 30, which highlights their struggle against England’s spinners and pacers.
However, the Kiwis have enough firepower to turn things around. Players like Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, and Tim Seifert are capable of producing match-winning performances. With the series on the line, New Zealand will look to put up a much-improved display at their home ground.
Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
- Matches Played: 28
- New Zealand Wins: 10
- England Wins: 15
- Tied: 1
- No Result: 2
- First Meeting: September 18, 2007
- Last Meeting: October 20, 2025
England have a clear upper hand in the overall head-to-head record, and they’ll aim to extend their dominance, while New Zealand will look to level things up in front of their home crowd.
Pitch Report — Eden Park, Auckland
Eden Park’s surface traditionally favors batters, with the short straight boundaries allowing big hitters to make the most of their power. However, pacers can expect some swing early on, especially with strong winds blowing across the venue. Batting generally becomes easier as the game progresses, making chasing the preferred option. A total around 190-200 could be a competitive score, but anything below that might be difficult to defend.
Probable Playing XIs
New Zealand:
Tim Seifert (wk), Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy
England:
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Jordan Cox, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood
Key Players to Watch
Phil Salt (England):
Salt has been in sublime touch, scoring 85 in the last game and maintaining consistent form in recent matches. His aggressive starts could again prove vital for England at a ground known for high-scoring games.
Adil Rashid (England):
Rashid’s four-wicket spell in the second T20I highlighted his class and control. His variations will be key in the middle overs, especially against left-handers like Santner and Ravindra.
Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand):
Mitchell has been one of New Zealand’s most reliable batters in recent times. His ability to play both pace and spin could stabilize the innings if early wickets fall.
Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand):
Ravindra’s all-round ability makes him crucial to New Zealand’s balance. He’ll be expected to anchor the batting while providing vital overs with the ball.
Probable Scenarios and Match Prediction
With the series on the line, both teams will come out with intent. England have the momentum, depth, and power hitters to dominate, while New Zealand will rely on home advantage and their all-rounders to fight back.
The pitch at Eden Park should produce another high-scoring contest, and the team winning the toss is likely to opt for chasing, given the dew and improving batting conditions under lights.
Match Prediction: England to win the match and clinch the series 2-0.