New Zealand vs England Match Prediction, 3rd T20I – Who will win today’s match between NZ vs ENG?

Published - 22 Oct 2025, 14:21 IST | Updated - 22 Oct 2025, 14:53 IST

The third T20I of the series between New Zealand (NZ) and England (ENG) will be played at the Eden Park in Auckland on Thursday, October 23. England emerged as comprehensive victors in the second T20I after the first match was washed out after the conclusion of the first-half of the contest.

Only 20 overs could be bowled in the first game, as no play could take place after the first innings, resulting in the match being abandoned due to rain. Sam Curran top-scored with an unbeaten 49 off 35 as the tourists ended up with 153/6 on the board. All six bowlers who bowled for New Zealand picked up a wicket apiece.

In the second match, half-centuries from Phil Salt (85 off 56) and Harry Brook (78 off 35) enabled England to amass 236, following which, the Kiwis were bowled out for 171 in 18 overs. Only two batters crossed the 30-run mark. Adil Rashid secured a four-wicket haul (4/32). The Englishmen currently hold the lead of 1-0 in the three-match series, and the game on Thursday will determine the fate of the series.

The pitch at Eden Park in Auckland is expected to be as good as the ones dished out at Christchurch in the first two T20Is. Winds blowing across the ground may aid the pacers during the powerplay. Batting can be expected to get easier as the game progresses during both innings. Opting to chase after winning the toss and restricting the opposition to anything under 200 in the first innings can be a winning mantra here.

Tim Seifert (wk), Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Jordan Cox, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood

The first T20I of the series could be considered as an anomaly for Phil Salt. Having made only 3, he blasted through to 85 off 56 in the second match. Salt has scored two 80s and a T20I career-best 141* in his last five T20I innings, which shows that he has been in fine touch and yet another successful outing is on the cards for the Auckland fixture.

Luke Wood had a decent outing in the second T20I. He picked up 2/36 in four overs while bowling at some decent pace. Wood can be expected to carry on the good work and bowl a tight spell in the third and final match of the 20-over series to win the series for the visiting side.

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.