Match: 3rd T20I (Series Decider)
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand
Time: 7:15 PM local (11:45 AM IST / 6:15 AM GMT)
Series Status: England leads 1-0 (1st T20I washed out)
Toss: Not yet known
Series So Far
The three-match T20I series between New Zealand and England has reached a crucial point. The first match at Hagley Oval in Christchurch was completely washed out by rain. In the second T20I at the same venue, England delivered a crushing performance, defeating New Zealand by 65 runs.
England posted a record-breaking 236/4 at Hagley Oval, with Phil Salt scoring 85 off 56 balls and captain Harry Brook smashing 78 off just 35 balls. The pair put together a stunning 129-run partnership that destroyed New Zealand’s bowling attack. In response, New Zealand managed only 171 all out in 18 overs, with Adil Rashid taking 4/32.
Now, New Zealand must win at Eden Park to level the series, while England will be looking to seal the series victory.
Expected Playing XIs
New Zealand Likely XI
(Based on 2nd T20I lineup – source: ESPNcricinfo)
- Tim Seifert (wk)
- Tim Robinson
- Rachin Ravindra
- Mark Chapman
- Daryl Mitchell
- Michael Bracewell
- James Neesham
- Mitchell Santner (c)
- Kyle Jamieson
- Matt Henry
- Jacob Duffy
Note: Both teams fielded unchanged lineups in the 2nd T20I and are likely to continue with the same teams for this decider.
England Likely XI
(Based on 2nd T20I lineup – source: ESPNcricinfo)
- Phil Salt
- Jos Buttler (wk)
- Jacob Bethell
- Harry Brook (c)
- Tom Banton
- Sam Curran
- Jordan Cox
- Brydon Carse
- Liam Dawson
- Adil Rashid
- Luke Wood
Eden Park Pitch and Weather Report
Pitch Conditions
Eden Park is famous for being one of the smallest international cricket grounds. The straight boundaries are extremely short at around 62-64 meters, while the square boundaries measure around 70 meters. This makes it a batter’s paradise once they settle in.
The pitch at Eden Park typically offers something for everyone. Fast bowlers can get early movement with the new ball under lights, but once the ball gets older, batters take control. The average first-innings score in T20Is here ranges between 160-170, but the short boundaries often lead to 200+ totals.
Teams batting second can find it challenging as the pitch gets slower and harder to score on in the later stages.
Weather Forecast
According to weather reports, Auckland is expected to have pleasant conditions on October 23. The temperature will be around 19°C during the evening match. There’s minimal chance of rain, so we should get a full game without interruptions. A light breeze is expected from the harbor end.
(Source: Holiday Weather, match preview reports from SportsCafe)
Players to Watch
| Batters | Team | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Brook | England | 78 off 35 balls in 2nd T20I – devastating form |
| Phil Salt | England | 85 off 56 balls in 2nd T20I – aggressive opener |
| Mark Chapman | New Zealand | 28 runs in 2nd T20I – needs big score at home |
| Daryl Mitchell | New Zealand | Experienced player who knows Eden Park well |
| Bowlers | Team | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|
| Adil Rashid | England | 4/32 in 2nd T20I – England’s trump card |
| Liam Dawson | England | 2/38 in 2nd T20I – controlled middle overs |
| Jacob Duffy | New Zealand | 1/44 in 2nd T20I – needs wickets early |
| Mitchell Santner | New Zealand | Captain under pressure to deliver |
What to Expect
This match is a do-or-die situation for New Zealand. Playing at home at Eden Park gives them a slight advantage, as they know how to bowl on this tiny ground. However, England are riding high on confidence after their dominant win in Christchurch.
The toss will be crucial. Teams batting first have often posted big totals at Eden Park, but chasing can be tricky as the pitch slows down. Both teams will want to bat first if they win the toss.
New Zealand’s bowlers must find a way to stop Phil Salt and Harry Brook early. If those two get going, they can easily take the game away. For England, their spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson will be key on a pitch that might offer some turn.
Our Prediction: England are the favorites based on current form, but New Zealand have the home advantage. Expect a high-scoring thriller. The team that handles pressure better will win this series decider.
Predicted Score: First innings around 180-200, with the team batting first having a slight edge.
How to Watch
- India: Sony Sports Network / Sony Liv app
- New Zealand: TVNZ+ and TVNZ 1
- United Kingdom: TNT Sports / Discovery+ app