ENG vs NZ 1st ODI: Sophia Gardens Pitch, Venue Stats, Record, Average Score

The T20I series is over and now England and New Zealand will lock horns in the ODI series. Both teams will meet in the first ODI game on Friday at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff at 5:00 PM IST.

The two sides finished the four-match T20I series 2-2. The hosts began well to win the first two games, while New Zealand managed to mount a serious comeback by winning the next two fixtures. With the ODI World Cup 2023 around the corner, both teams now will try to iron out the issues in their respective sides to finalize their preparations for the mega event.

In this post, we will take a look at the Sophia Gardens Pitch, Venue Stats, Record, and Average Score ahead of the first one-day game between England and New Zealand.

Sophia Gardens Pitch Report

It is a high-scoring venue with a great surface to bat on. The wicket has consistent pace and bounce and the batters could play their shots. However, the spinners are likely to get some help off the surface and we could expect a great game of cricket between two quality sides.

England ODI record in Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

England have played 15 ODI games at this venue and have won 9 of them. While they have lost only 3 one-dayers here, three matches ended as a no-result.

England’s Highest Total at the venue: 386/6 in 50 overs vs Bangladesh in 2019
England’s Lowest Total at the venue: 161/10 in 38.1 overs vs India in 2014

New Zealand ODI record in Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

The Kiwis have played 7 matches at this venue so far. They have won four matches and lost the other three.

New Zealand’s Highest Total at the venue: 265/8 in 50 overs vs Bangladesh in 2017
New Zealand’s Lowest Total at the venue: 223/10 in 44.3 overs vs England in 2017

England vs New Zealand ODI Head-to-Head

Matches: 91
England Won: 42
New Zealand Won: 43
No Result: 4
Tied: 2
Highest Total For England: 408/9 in 50 overs in 2015
Lowest Total For England: 89/10 in 37.2 overs in 2002
Highest Total For New Zealand: 398/5 in 50 overs in 2015
Lowest Total For New Zealand: 134/10 in 42.1 overs in 1984

Sophia Gardens, Cardiff Ground Info

Seating Capacity: 15000
Number of matches hosted: The ground has hosted 3 Tests, 29 ODIs, and 9 T20Is.

Sophia Gardens, Cardiff ODI Stats and Records

Total Matches Played: 29
Home Team (England) Won: 9
Visiting Team Won: 3
Neutral Side Won: 13
No Result: 3
Match Tied: 1

Average 1st Innings Score: 239
Matches Won Batting 1st: 8
Matches Won Batting 2nd: 17
Highest Team Total: 386/6 by England vs Bangladesh in 2019
Lowest Team Total: 125/10 by Afghanistan vs South Africa in 2019
Highest Run Chase: 304/6 by Pakistan vs England in 2016
Lowest Total Defended: 169/10 by England vs New Zealand in 2019

Highest Individual Score: 153 by Jason Roy (England) vs Bangladesh in 2019
Best Bowling Figures: 4/28 by Ravindra Jadeja (India) vs England in 2014
Most Runs: Jason Roy (407 runs in 5 innings)
Most Wickets: Liam Plunkett (12 wickets in 5 matches)
Most Sixes in ODIs at Sophia Gardens: Jos Buttler (11 sixes)