The first semi-final match of the Twenty20 World Cup 2021 between England and New Zealand will take place at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on November 10 (Wednesday). The game will start at 8:00 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time).

England have already played two finals in the T20 World Cup, and they will be aiming for a third. New Zealand have failed to reach a final despite appearing in two semifinals in the previous six editions of the competition. Let’s look at the preview of the England vs. New Zealand semi-final match.    

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Noteworthy T20I Records between England and New Zealand 

England and New Zealand last met in a T20I match two years ago, at Eden Park in Auckland. The English side won in a super over after the game was tied. Overall, England have a big edge in a head-to-head battle. Here are some of their important T20I records against one other.    

Significant T20I Record: England vs. New Zealand  

 Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/

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England  

England must decide who will replace Jason Roy to open the innings with Jos Buttler. Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan are the two front-runners. But it won't be a major issue for the team's management because both players are capable of playing as an opener or at no.3 position. Whether chasing or defending, the lone centurion in this World Cup so far in-form Jos Buttler is England's most effective batting weapon. Skipper Eoin Morgan would offer a much-needed flair to the middle order, particularly in the middle overs. Down the order, Livingstone and Moeen may keep their cool at the crease or go all out against opposition bowlers.

Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid might be England's two damaging weapons in Abu Dhabi. Captain Morgan will rely on these two to make timely breakthroughs or to keep the run flow under control. England are prepared to use all of its arsenals during the match.

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Probable Playing XI

Jos Buttler (wicket-keeper), Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan (captain), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood 

New Zealand 

Kane Williamson has been playing with an elbow injury, but it hasn't stopped him from doing his job as captain and the team's most reliable batter. However, other veteran Kiwi players will have to rise to the occasion if they are to beat England.

The experience of Guptill, Phillips, and Neesham will be crucial for the Blackcaps. Guptill presently has the tournament's third-best score in an innings and will be looking to unsettle England's front-line bowlers. Kiwi power hitters must be in top form in the death overs, as this is when the match's scenario and momentum might shift.

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Indian-origin spinner Ish Shodi could be a major concern for England. Skipper Williamson will be hoping Shodi to do his magic in this match. Because he was amazing against India in the Super 12 Round. The impact of pacers Trent Boult and Tim Southee in the playing XI cannot be understated. Particularly, Boult has the ability to demolish opposition batting lineups on his own. Overall, New Zealand's campaign should be prepared to surprise England and earn a spot in the T20 World Cup final for the first time.

Probable Playing XI

Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (captain), Devon Conway (wicket-keeper), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult

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Verdict

The English team had won four consecutive games before narrowly losing their last fixture to South Africa in the Super 12 Round. England took first place in Group 1, while New Zealand came in second in Group 2. The Blackcaps lost their first match against a resurgent Pakistan team but came back strong with four straight victories in the Super 12s.

England are in better shape than New Zealand going into the semi-final showdown. However, New Zealand will be very motivated to win this match. Because they want revenge for their heartbreaking loss to England in the 2019 ODI World Cup final. So, England vs. New Zealand encounter has sparked a lot of interest among fans.

Read T20 World Cup: England to take on New Zealand in first semifinal Wednesday