START: 8:00 AM (UK Time)
VENUE: The Gabba
Words by Ciaran Coyle
The Gabba plays host to a crucial fixture in Group 1 of the ICC T20 World Cup Super 12 stages as England take on New Zealand in Brisbane.
England simply have to win if they are to keep their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals alive, with Jos Buttler’s side last game ending in a 5 run defeat to Ireland with rain playing its part once again at this tournament.
The Three Lions currently sit in 3rd place in the group on 3 points but whilst still having a higher net run rate than Australia in 2nd which keeps England’s qualification hopes in their hands for now at least.
New Zealand will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to their campaign with the Kiwi’s emerging as one of the favourites to lift the cup on November 13.
Their last outing in this tournament saw yet another dominant display as Kane Williamson’s side cruised to a 65-run win over Sri Lanka, with Glenn Phillips producing a wonderful innings scoring 104 off 64 deliveries.
If England are to produce a performance good enough to take the points from this clash, their top order will have to start producing the goods, with captain Buttler, Alex Hales, Dawid Malan and Ben Stokes all struggling with the bat so far this tournament.
They will have to do so against statistically one of the best bowling attacks of the competition so far, with formidable opening pair Trent Boult and Tim Southee proving tricky customers for the batters at the top of the innings.
There has been some talk of inclement weather providing yet more disruption to proceedings on Tuesday night but we hope that the skies will clear to allow what should be a fascinating contest between two heavyweights of the game take place.
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