New Zealand vs England Cricket Tips, Predictions & Odds - 1st ODI
Will Jackson 
After a grim washout in Auckland on Thursday forced a premature end to the T20I series, England's Ashes preparations kick up a notch with the ODI series against New Zealand starting on Sunday.
The likes of Joe Root, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett will all feature in the 50-over series, while the likes of Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes are all in the country as their red-ball training kicks up a level.
England are in the middle of a transition period in ODI cricket, but head into the opening game as favourites with UK betting sites despite recent inconsistencies.
Free Bets cricket expert, Will Jackson, has had a look at what we can expect from the opening game.
New Zealand vs England Cricket Tips
Here's a look at my top three cricket tips ahead of the game.
Tip 1: Joe Root to be England's top batter - 16/5
No points for originality for this one, but we've got to back England's best batter for more runs given the form he is in.
He made a sumptuous century in his last ODI against South Africa, making it his third of 2025 in a format where he has refound his rhythm.
That's not to mention the red-hot form he finished the Test series against India in.
With three tons in his last eight 50-over games, Root is a real force and he has had success in New Zealand before. He will have the bit between his teeth ahead of the Ashes, so watch out for the very best of Joe Root in the upcoming weeks.
Tip 2: England most runs after 15 overs, Smith to score 27.5+ - 2-1
I think one of the biggest and most eye-catching features of this winter will be the form of Jamie Smith, who has the potential to really be a world class batter in all formats for England.
He has the ability to take the game away from good quality attacks in a matter of overs, and I do like him at the top of the order in 50-over cricket.
I think there's no doubt that he is yet to find his ideal tempo and he has been guilty of going too hard, too early in recent matches.
He scored three half-centuries in the summer, each of them at a rapid pace and if he gets going again then England should easily outscore the hosts - whether they can keep it up is another question altogether.
The most appealing thing about Smith is the way he takes on quick bowlers, and I think he could really fly on harder, bouncier pitches than at home.
Tip 3: New Zealand to win, Carse to take 2+ wickets - 6/1
They might have looked pretty good in the T20 series, but I'm not quite sure England can rightly be considered favourites in this ODI series.
They have been so miserable since their 2019 World Cup win in the format that Jos Buttler lost his job, and though they dismantled the West Indies at the start of the summer, the series defeat to South Africa was a better indicator of where they really are.
The issue with England right now is they blow very hot and cold - they are just as likely to hit 400 as they are to be bowled out for 120, and that's a bit of a problem.
New Zealand on the other hand are the total opposite, you know what you're getting from them and that's a very, very consistent side who are not to be taken lightly.
I'm chucking in Brydon Carse to take at least two wickets in the game too, having seen what he did in the only completed T20 and on the Test tour of New Zealand last year. He clearly thrives on these wickets.
New Zealand vs England Latest Odds
England are the pre-match favourites with cricket betting sites ahead of the game, here's a look at the odds.
| Result | Odds |
| New Zealand | 6/5 |
| England | 4/6 |
Where to Watch New Zealand vs England
Looking forward to watching the first game of this ODI series? Here's everything you need to know ahead of the game.
TV Channel
In the UK, this fixture will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 .
Live Stream Information
You will be able to stream the match via the Discovery+ service (which includes TNT Sports content).
Star time
The match will start at 1am, UK time.
Fixture date
The fixture is scheduled to take place on Sunday 26 October 2025.
Stadium
The game will be played at Mount Maunganui, in New Zealand.
