CWC 2023 has started on 5th October with a bang at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. England and New Zealand, previous edition finalists, played the first match. England has entered the competition and match as favourties. New Zealand, on the other hand, struggled against England in England in preparatory ODI series. But New Zealand came all guns blazing out in CWC opening match.
New Zealand won the toss and elected to field first. England did not get a great start as Dawid Malan(14) got out early. Joe Root(77) tried his best and received help from Jos Buttler(43) and Liam Livingstone(20). But England did not post a big score on a batting friendly pitch. England scored 282/9 in 50 overs. Matt Henry(3/48), Glenn Phillips(2/17), Mitchell Santner(2/37), Trent Boult(1/48) and Rachin Ravindra(1/76) took wickets for New Zealand.
In the chase, they lost early wicket of Will Young(0) in the second over. But then Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra annihilated England bowling with flawless hitting. They showcased their range and New Zealand shocked England in a way. The pitch has also helped them in scoring at quick pace. Rachin Ravindra(123) and Devon Conway(152) helped New Zealand chase the score with 9 wickets and 82 balls still remaining. Rachin Ravindra got Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
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