The six-match white-ball series between New Zealand and England is scheduled to get underway with the first T20I on October 18 Friday at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The two sides last played a T20I against each other in September 2023.
The hosts have been in some fine 20-over form in 2025, having thrashed Pakistan 4-1 and also scripting an undefeated run to the tri-nation T20I title in the series involving Zimbabwe and South Africa. However, the Kiwis lost their most recent T20I assignment, a three-match series, to Australia 2-0. With major names like Finn Allen, Adam Milne, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips and Lockie Ferguson missing due to injury, it will be a tough ask for the Kiwis.
Similarly, England have also played some attacking T20I cricket of late. They came up on the winning side twice 3-0 against West Indies and 2-0 Ireland and drew once 1-1 against South Africa in their past three T20I series. The England and Wales Cricket Board have already announced their XI for the series-opening clash. They will be expected to play their usual aggressive brand of cricket.