England vs NZ betting tips & odds – T20 World Cup semi final

New Zealand have waited two years to get revenge against England on the big stage, and they will have the chance this Wednesday when the two sides face off in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup semi finals.

The Black Caps were on the wrong end of perhaps the most controversial result in Cricket World Cup history in 2019, when a final that was tied after extra overs was awarded to the host nation on an obscure boundary-countback rule.

If that doesn’t give the Kiwis any incentive to get one over their colonisers, then nothing will.

New Zealand finished behind only the red-hot Pakistan in Group 2 of the Super 12 stage, thus knocking India (albeit indirectly this time) out of a major tournament once again.

Now Kane Williamson and co. must face the tournament favourites, and their biggest concern is that they have not faced much quality opposition in the lead up to the knockout phase.

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Since beating India in their second match of the Super 12, NZ have faced Scotland, Namibia and Afghanistan, so it is hard to get a good read on what sort of touch they are really in.

England, meanwhile, finished top of what was undeniably the tougher of the two groups, claiming wins against the West Indies, Bangladesh, Australia and Sri Lanka.

While the Brits lost to South Africa in their final group game, they had already secured qualification by that point and could be forgiven for taking their foot off the gas to some degree.

Jason Roy was forced retire hurt with a calf injury in that match, and the England opener appears unlikely to take any further part in the tournament.

It is expected that one of Dawid Malan, Moeen Ali or Jonny Bairstow will move up to replace Roy at the top of the order, with Sam Billings and reserve batter James Vince on standby to fill out the England XI.

England vs NZ T20 World Cup SF predictions

Top England runscorer: Jos Buttler

With his usual opening partner out of action, Jos Buttler’s output becomes even more important. The Somerset slogger is one of the best in the world in the shorter formats, particularly when batting at the top of the order, and we think he will turn it up a notch in the knockout phase.

Match result: England

Even with one of their star batters out injured, this England side will take some beating. New Zealand can trouble the best on their day, but they’ve had some soft kills in their last three outings and might lack the hard edge required to take down the title favourites.