Conway, Ravindra hit tons, NZ thrash holders England

New Zealand batters put on an unbeaten record second-wicket stand carrying the team to a nine-wicket win in the opening game of World Cup

- RASESH MANDANI

The bar had been set so high by the 2019 World Cup final that it was going to be virtually impossible for England and New Zealand to recreate that magic four years on. As it turned out, it ended up being a lop-sided affair on the opening night of the 2023 ODI World Cup at Ahmedabad on Thursday. Only this time, defending champions England were given a hiding as New Zealand chased down 283 runs in the 37th over for a nine-wicket win with 82 balls to spare.

Expect the genial Kiwis not to go overboard or say they exacted revenge. But they showed determination. Devon Conway (152₹-121b, 19x4, 6x3) and Rachin Ravindra (123*-- 96 b 11x4,5x6) - with South African and Indian roots came out attacking with such ferocity that England simply didn't know how to respond.

Batting without fear is more an England trait. That's how they intimidated opponents after the 2015 World Cup, ever since they decided that when in doubt attack. Under lights in front of a neutral Ahmedabad crowd largely detached from the proceedings, Kiwi batters came out with a similar attacking mentality.

"We were given the licence to attack. But we did it our way," said Ravindra after the match.

While the unbroken 273-run partnership between Conway and Ravindra knocked England out, it was nice that there was a sprinkling of New Zealand supporters in attendance, including many from the players' families.