New Delhi: In a stunning display of prowess, New Zealand delivered a resounding defeat to the defending champions, England, in the inaugural match of the 2023 World Cup at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. The Kiwis asserted their dominance at the crease, effortlessly chasing down 283 with a loss of only a single wicket.
New Zealand opening batters totally dominated the game, courtesy of a formidable 273-run partnership between Indian-origin Kiwi player Rachin Ravindra and opening batsman Devon Conway. Their outstanding performances saw both players secure centuries, leaving the England side struggling to find an effective bowling strategy.
Ravindra played an outstanding innings, remaining unbeaten with a brilliant 123 runs off just 96 deliveries, while on the other end, Conway showcased his sheer dominance with a mammoth score of 150 runs in 121 balls. Their formidable partnership enabled New Zealand to comfortably chase down a target of 283 runs with nearly 14 overs remaining.
England only managed to pick Will Young’s wicket, which was taken by Sam Curran.
The 2019 World Cup champions struggled to make a mark with their batting, while the Kiwi bowlers demonstrated an all-round performance throughout the first innings. The New Zealand bowlers managed to restrict England to 282 runs with the loss of nine wickets in the opening match of the 2023 World Cup.
Joe Root was the top scorer for the England side with 77 runs, while Johnny Bairstow managed to score 33 runs, and Jos Buttler scored 43 runs.
Matt Henry led the Kiwi bowling attack with three crucial wickets, dismissing Dawid Malan, Jos Buttler, and Sam Curran. Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips also made significant contributions, clinching two wickets each, while Trent Boult and Rachin Ravindra each added one wicket to their names.
New Zealand Playing 11: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c & wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, and Trent Boult
England Playing 11: Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c & wk), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, and Mark Wood