Back

New Zealand Hammers World Cup Holder England

New Zealand thrashed England by nine wickets in the opening match of the Cricket World Cup 2023.

Holders England got their title defence off to the worst possible start as the Black Caps cantered home in pursuit of 283.

The match was a repeat of the dramatic 2019 final at Lord’s but with a very different result.

New Zealand reached their target with 13.4 overs to spare – Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra both hitting centuries.

Conway (152 not out) and Ravindra (123 not out) combined for a stunning 273-run partnership, which was the fourth highest in men’s World Cup history.

England only managed 282-9 in a poor batting performance.

The Black Caps eased over the line with 82 balls to spare.

After five overs, New Zealand were 27 for one whereas England had been 26 without loss, but this was as good as it got for England as Ravindra took over.

He reeled off a succession of superbly timed strikes, while at the other end Conway latched onto anything short.

New Zealand were without the injured Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee but never allowed any of England’s batters to settle. Matt Henry and Trent Boult both bowled 10 overs with one maiden for 48 runs but Henry won 3-1 on wickets. Glenn Phillips contributed only three overs but took two wickets including Joe Root who scored 77.

“It’s a little bit unbelievable. It was great to have a great day out,” said player of the match Ravindra.

“The boys bowled and fielded really well to restrict them to 282 and then luckily I had Devon out there with me to show me how to do it.”

New Zealand captain Tom Latham added: “A fantastic performance. It was a brilliant partnership between Devon and Rachin but going back to our bowlers, they did a fantastic job to set us up.”

“We’re super proud of Rachin, batting at three for the first time in an ODI, and he played beautifully.”

/Stewart
Sports news editor