Preview: Must-win game for England against familiar foes New Zealand
These two teams have had their fair share of high-profile meetings in recent years, and The Gabba plays hosts to another potential classic that could secure New Zealand’s place in the knockout stages.
A defeat to Ireland on DLS Method and a rained-off fixture with Australia have seen England drop three points from their opening three matches, meaning it’s now a case of win or bust for Jos Buttler and his side.
And they know that victory won’t come easy against an opponent who knocked them out of the last T20 World Cup a year ago in dramatic fashion, with Daryl Mitchell and Jimmy Neesham going big in the death overs to win the game.
Preview of the England v New Zealand match at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022
With Tuesday’s match effectively the first of four knockout games if England are to win the tournament, coach Paul Collingwood believes that scenario will sharpen the minds of the players.
“It's almost into the knockout stages now in terms of how we've got to go about our cricket,” he said. “It's must-win games, and this is why we play the game. These are the positions that you want to be in to have an opportunity to win a World Cup.
“Tomorrow hopefully kick-starts our momentum and if we can put in a good performance tomorrow, then it will give us a lot of confidence for the last three games.”
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A big win over Australia in the opening game has set up New Zealand’s successful Super 12 campaign so far, with the Kiwis still in a reasonably strong position to qualify even if they lose on Tuesday, thanks to their net run rate.
But a win against England and the Black Caps will be the first team confirmed as through to the semi-finals, a real fillip for the players.
“Tomorrow is a big focus for us, and then after that we'll cross the next bridge when it comes,” fast bowler Lockie Ferguson said.
“Every team, two points, doesn't matter. The same pressures are on, and I think that's what's so great about the World Cup; you just get these one-off games at conditions and grounds that you're probably not used to playing the other team at. It's certainly fantastic to be here and be a part of it.”
England players reflect on Ben Stokes’ finest moment - and even New Zealand have good things to say about the world-class all-rounder at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022
England
Jos Buttler (c), Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Liam Livingstone, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood
New Zealand
Devon Conway (wk), Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson
Glenn Phillips is one of the key players for New Zealand at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022.
Jos Buttler: One of the most destructive batters in the game, England’s opener has put down consistently excellent numbers since settling at the top of the order. An aggressive Alex Hales aids Buttler's new mantra at the other end and potentially helps him get those big knocks for England.
Devon Conway: Conway shattered plenty of records during his unbeaten 92 against Australia in the Super 12 round opener. Conway hammered seven boundaries and two sixes, striking at 158.62, as his calm and composed innings propelled New Zealand to 200.
Captaincy Pick: Jos Buttler
The England opener has turned into an expert at managing the risk that comes with T20 batting to maximise his rewards. Buttler is better positioned to get one of those big hundreds than most other batters, and he is due a score.
Must-Have Pick: Finn Allen
The decision to replace veteran Martin Guptill with Finn Allen at the top of the New Zealand order was a brave one, but a call that is so far looking more than justified. The destructive opener showcased his skillset against Australia, hitting five fours and three sixes, striking at 262.5 during his 16-ball 42. Allen has amassed 511 runs in 20 T20I innings at a strike rate of 165.69.
Differential Pick: Mark Wood
England's strike bowler is the fastest in the world right now and is a massive threat up top. "Getting good players out" is Wood's role in the team, something he has publically stated, and he will be targeting the New Zealand top order. Dismissals in the Powerplay are always key but could be even more impactful against a Black Caps team with a relatively long tail, so if England want to make inroads with the ball then Wood will be the player they look to.