(Image Source: Twitter)
[Saba Sports News] The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 began on Thursday, October 05, with England and New Zealand facing off in the opening match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. However, the game drew a smaller crowd than expected, and images of empty seats at the stadium have gone viral on social media.
Fans are expressing their dissatisfaction with the low turnout and are comparing it to the opening match of the 2015 World Cup in Australia. The viral image compares the attendance at the 2023 World Cup opener to that of the 2015 World Cup’s first match between Australia and England.
In the game itself, New Zealand’s captain, Tom Latham, won the toss and chose to bowl first.
England had a strong start, with Jonny Bairstow hitting a six off Trent Boult’s second delivery. However, New Zealand quickly fought back, with Matt Henry dismissing Dawid Malan (14 off 24) in the eighth over and Jonny Bairstow (33 off 35) falling to Mitchell Santner.
Joe Root emerged as the top scorer for England, crafting a superb innings of 77 (86) with four fours and a six. He received valuable support from Jos Buttler (43 off 42), and together, they added 70 runs for the fifth wicket off 72 balls. However, their partnership was short-lived as Buttler was dismissed by Matt Henry, and Root fell to Glenn Phillips in the 42nd over.
England’s late cameos from Adil Rashid (15 off 13) and Mark Wood (13 off 14) pushed their total to 282/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Matt Henry was the standout bowler for New Zealand, taking 3/48 in ten overs.
In the midst of this, social media was buzzing with reactions to the low attendance at the stadium.