Cricket Betting Tips: England vs New Zealand 1st T20I Preview and Best Bets

• ⭐ New Zealand to beat England (+170) at BetMGM

In the bowling department, New Zealand appears to have a deeper arsenal. Headlined by Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson, they also boast the recently impressive Matt Henry and Adam Milne, who've made their marks in the T20 Blast and The Hundred, respectively. 

New Zealand's batting is also not to be underestimated, especially with the return of Devon Conway, Finn Allen, and Daryl Mitchell, despite England seemingly having the upper hand in batting prowess. 

While England's superior batting strength typically shines on flat, high-scoring pitches like those at Leeds and the Oval, the Durham ground could level the playing field.

England has shown dominance in high-scoring matches where their batting depth usually prevails. However, the Chester-Le-Street venue, where most scores hovered around 160 during this summer's T20 Blast, doesn't particularly favor this high-octane style, which is why backing New Zealand at +170 with BetMGM might be the best bet. 

This scenario bodes well for New Zealand, who are more effective when not pushed to maintain a scoring rate of 10 runs per over. Their strategic, experienced bowling and reliable fielding come into their own in such conditions.

T20 Best Bets: New Zealand to beat England (+170) at BetMGM

• ⭐ Harry Brook top England batter (+700) at FanDuel

Recently, Harry Brook captured attention due to his surprising exclusion from England's 50-over World Cup squad for the upcoming tournament in India. 

However, he shook off the disappointment by scoring a sensational century for the Northern Superchargers in their concluding match of The Hundred. 

Brook's omission is perplexing given that he is one of the most promising young batsmen in international cricket, fetching a high price in the latest IPL auction and excelling in this summer's Ashes series.

Despite the setback, the Yorkshire native was a crucial part of England's successful T20 World Cup run in Australia last year. With something to prove, he is expected to contribute significantly from either the fourth or fifth position in the batting lineup and is +700 to be top England batter with FanDuel. 

Considering the swing generated by the notoriously challenging white Kookaburra ball in The Hundred, those spots could prove advantageous. The competition was particularly tough for openers, as the ball exhibited a lot of movement. Consequently, focusing on the middle order might be a wise strategy in this series if such trends persist.

T20 Best Bets: Harry Brook top England batter (+700) at FanDuel

• ⭐ Glenn Phillips top New Zealand batter (+500) at Draftkings

As Kane Williamson remains sidelined due to injury, Glenn Phillips has effectively become the senior figure in New Zealand's middle order. 

During the T20 World Cup in Australia, even with a fully fit Williamson in the lineup, it was Phillips who emerged as the Kiwis' top run-scorer, so no surprise he is +500 to be top New Zealand batter on Wednesday. 

Occupying the number four spot in that tournament, he has shown remarkable progress since, further solidifying his reputation as an ascending talent in international cricket. 

Phillips has continued to impress, both in the IPL and during his stint with the Welsh Fire in The Hundred. His consistent performances across various platforms suggest a cricketer who is still very much in the ascendancy. 

With his ability to adapt and excel, Phillips adds depth and stability to New Zealand's middle order, something that will be crucial for the team in the absence of their regular skipper, Williamson. 

T20 Best Bets: Glenn Phillips top New Zealand batter (+500) at Draftkings