(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] The World Cup 2023 has opened with an upset. Not really, but the defending champions have been given a hammering of the ages.
New Zealand have just started and in only their first match, they at least can say the redemption of the 2019 World Cup final is fulfilled. Their aim, just like every other team, is to lift the trophy, but for now, they can sleep well, knowing that they have defeated England by nine wickets.
Opting to bowl first, New Zealand gained the initial momentum, as they reduced England to 118/4 in 21.2 overs. However, a 70-run partnership between Jos Buttler and Joe Root evened out the balance of the match.
As soon as Matt Henry got rid of Buttler, New Zealand got hold of the steering well as England could never recover thereafter.
Joe Root top-scored with his 77-run knock as England ended their innings at a below-par total of 282 runs on an Ahmedabad pitch conducive for the batters.
Sam Curran provided England with an early breakthrough in the form of Will Young, who got dismissed for a golden duck. But that was all England could manage to take out of that innings.
Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra paired for a 273-run stand, smashing their individual hundreds in the process on their ODI World Cup debuts.
The duo allowed England no breather, scoring briskly, ensuring that they take up their Net Run Rate.
New Zealand eventually completed the run-chase in 36.2 overs, winning the World Cup 2023 opener by nine wickets.
Brief scores
England – 282/9 (50)
Joe Root 77 (86), Jos Buttler 43 (42); Matt Henry 3-48 (10), Glenn Phillips 2-17 (3)
New Zealand – 283/1 (36.2)
Devon Conway 152* (121), Rachin Ravindra 123* (96); Sam Curran 1-47 (6)