KABUL (Pajhwok): New Zealand has crushed defending champions England by nine wickets in the opening match of the ODI World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Electing to bowl, the New Zealand bowlers restricted their opponents to 282-9, a modest total considering the firepower in England’s usually formidable batting lineup.
Devon Conway and World Cup debutant Rachin Ravindra smashed rapid unbeaten centuries to set up New Zealand’s successful pursuit of a 283-run victory target, which came with 13.4 overs to spare.
It was a rematch of the heart-stopping 2019 final at Lord’s in which England were declared winners via a now-scrapped boundary countback rule after the contest had ended in a tie.
New Zealand lost Will Young for nought in the first over but Conway, who made a career-best 152 not out, and Ravindra immediately turned the heat back on England with their free scoring.
England’s batters did not really fire but Joe Root (77), Jos Buttler (43) and Jonny Bairstow (33) provided some resistance.
However, England could not string together enough partnerships and kept losing wickets at regular intervals.
Matt Henry claimed 3-48 for New Zealand, while their three spinners shared five wickets.
sa
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