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England and New Zealand Clash in Christchurch Ahead of T20 World Cup
18 Oct
Summary
- England and New Zealand face off in a 3-match T20I series and 3-match ODI series
- Jacob Bethell scores a sparkling century, but the focus remains on the upcoming T20 World Cup
- Both teams have confirmed their playing XIs for the first match

On October 18th, 2025, England and New Zealand are set to face off in a highly anticipated cricket series, kicking off England's epic winter of cricket. The action will begin with a 3-match T20I series, followed by 3 ODIs, all taking place in New Zealand.
The first match of the T20I series is scheduled to start in about half an hour in Christchurch. Both teams have already confirmed their playing XIs, with New Zealand fielding a lineup that includes Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, and James Neesham, among others. England, on the other hand, will feature the likes of Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, and Jacob Bethell.
While Bethell's sparkling century against the Black Caps today would normally be the talk of the town, the real focus remains on the upcoming T20 World Cup. The series is not being billed as an Ashes warm-up, and the players are being urged to keep their eyes on the prize – the T20 World Cup, which is just around the corner.
As the coin is tossed and the match gets underway, cricket fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see how these two powerhouses of the sport fare in the lead-up to the biggest event on the T20 calendar.