In the opening match of the 2023 World Cup, New Zealand delivered a resounding blow to England, winning by nine wickets in Ahmedabad. New Zealand successfully chased down a target of 283 with 82 balls to spare, thanks to a powerful performance by Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra.
Highlights
New Zealand Starts 2023 World Cup with a Bang
In the curtain-raiser of the 2023 World Cup, New Zealand delivered an emphatic statement with a nine-wicket victory over England.
Revenge for 2019? New Zealand Dominates Defending Champions
Although it wasn’t a direct chance for revenge after the 2019 World Cup final, New Zealand’s nine-wicket demolition of England in Ahmedabad provided ample satisfaction.
Conway and Ravindra Shine with the Bat
The explosive duo of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra led New Zealand to victory, with Conway scoring an unbroken 152 and Ravindra adding an undefeated 123.
Record-Breaking Performances
Conway broke records with his century, becoming the fastest New Zealander to reach a 50-overs World Cup century. Ravindra, at 23, became the youngest centurion in New Zealand’s global tournament history.
A Remarkable 273-Run Partnership
Conway and Ravindra’s unbroken 273-run partnership began early in the second over, setting a new record for the highest partnership in the Blackcaps’ World Cup history.
England’s Competitive Total Falls Short
England posted a competitive total of 282 for 9, anchored by Joe Root’s 77, but their efforts were thwarted by New Zealand’s strong bowling performance.
Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner Impressive with the Ball
Matt Henry’s 3 for 48 and Mitchell Santner’s economical 2 for 37 in 10 overs were instrumental in containing England’s batsmen.
Conway’s Dominance in the Format
Devon Conway’s ODI quality was clear, as he scored his fourth century of the season, cementing his status as a top player.
New Zealand’s Spin Bowlers Create Trouble
New Zealand’s slower bowlers, led by Santner, created speed traps that stifled England’s progress in the middle overs.
New Zealand’s Dominant Performance
Despite some late fight, England fell short of a respectable score, bringing back memories of their past difficulties despite recent improvements that have made them a more fearsome team.New Zealand’s dominant performance not only secured a convincing victory but also dented England’s pride and net run rate.
