Both sides are close to putting a bow on their Cricket World Cup preparations and will want to win this match for the sake of momentum.
England vs New Zealand | Fourth ODI | Friday 15 September 2023 | Lord’s, London
England 4/9 |New Zealand 7/4
England are hitting form just at the right time and will be strong contenders for the Cricket World Cup crown, but before that will hope to knock off New Zealand.
While England have dominated the balance of play across the series, they might yet end up sharing the whole thing if they allow New Zealand to creep up on them again.
Ben Stokes hit frightening form in the middle order with an ODI hundred that is well worth revisiting.
Stokes hasn’t been bowling, but he clearly has the ability to make a huge splash with the bat alone.
New Zealand might not be too upset that expectations for them at the Cricket World Cup have been tempered, but they will be eager to get their balance just right.
Trent Boult was incisive with the new ball again, even if he wound up shipping quite a few runs in taking five wickets.
In the cauldron of competition, New Zealand’s top order haven’t been as consistent as they would have hoped, although Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell.
Ben Lister has also made a great case for his further inclusion in the Black Caps setup.
Verdict: England
England should finish strong.
