New Zealand beat England by 9 wickets in the opening match of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023
New Zealand powered to a nine-wicket victory over England in the opening match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, thanks to an unbeaten 273-run stand between Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway.
Chasing a target of 283, New Zealand lost Will Young for a first-ball duck, but Ravindra and Conway joined forces to light up the innings. The duo put on a record 177-run stand for the second wicket, which was the highest partnership for New Zealand batters in a Cricket World Cup encounter.
Ravindra scored his maiden ODI century, while Conway notched up his fifth ODI hundred. The duo remained unbeaten on 123 and 152 respectively as New Zealand overhauled the target in just 36.2 overs.
Earlier, England were restricted to 282/9, despite a brilliant 43 from Jos Buttler. Matt Henry was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers with three wickets, while Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips also chipped in with two wickets each.
The win was a great start to the tournament for New Zealand, who will be looking to go all the way this time around. England, on the other hand, will need to bounce back quickly in their next match.
Brief Scorecard
England 282-9 in 50 overs (Joe Root 77; Matt Henry 3-48)
New Zealand 283-1 in 36.2 overs (Rachin Ravindra 123*, Devon Conway 152*; Sam Curran 1-47)
Result: New Zealand won by 9 Wickets
