When the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 began, fans expected fireworks—and the opening clash between New Zealand vs England at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on October 5, did not disappoint. The stage was massive, the hype was real, and what unfolded was a jaw-dropping statement from the Black Caps.
England, the defending champions, entered with confidence, but New Zealand had other plans. Chasing a target of 283, the Kiwis absolutely bossed the game, winning by 9 wickets with more than 13 overs to spare. Let’s break down the match, the highlights, and what it means going forward.
England’s Innings: Solid Start, But No Fireworks
England’s batting lineup is known for aggression, but this time they couldn’t quite explode.
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Jonny Bairstow got things rolling with a breezy 33 off 35, but couldn’t convert.
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Dawid Malan struggled for rhythm and departed for just 14.
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Joe Root looked the most comfortable, playing a classic anchor role with 77 off 86.
There were short bursts of energy—Harry Brook’s quick 25 from 16 balls and Jos Buttler’s 43 off 42—but nothing sustained enough to intimidate New Zealand’s bowlers.
England eventually ended at 282/9. On paper, it looked like a decent score, but the body language of the Kiwis suggested they weren’t worried.
England Batting Highlights (Scorecard Snapshot)
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Joe Root – 77 (86) with 4 fours, 1 six
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Jos Buttler – 43 (42) with 2 fours, 2 sixes
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Harry Brook – 25 (16), striking at 156+
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Total: 282/9 in 50 overs
It was steady, but lacked that extra punch you expect from England.
New Zealand’s Bowling: Clinical and Calculated
Credit where it’s due—New Zealand’s bowlers executed their plans to perfection.
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Matt Henry was outstanding with 3 wickets for 48.
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Mitchell Santner tightened the screws with 2 wickets and an economy under 4.
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Glenn Phillips chipped in with 2 crucial scalps, including Joe Root.
And then there was Trent Boult—swinging the ball early, building pressure, and forcing England’s batters to play cautiously. Even without a big haul of wickets, Boult’s presence was enough to keep the run rate in check.
Bottom line: The Kiwis showed they could contain and strike at key moments, which is a lethal combo in World Cup cricket.
New Zealand’s Chase: A Masterclass in Control
Now, this is where the match turned into a one-sided affair. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra turned a tricky chase into a stroll in the park.
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Devon Conway was majestic, smashing an unbeaten 152 off 121 balls. He combined timing, placement, and power, hitting 19 fours and 3 sixes.
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Rachin Ravindra, just 23 years old, looked like a seasoned pro. His unbeaten 123 off 96 included 11 boundaries and 5 massive sixes.
The duo put on a record-breaking 273-run partnership for the second wicket, completely silencing the English bowlers and crowd.
By the time the chase ended in just 36.2 overs, it felt like New Zealand had barely broken a sweat.
New Zealand Batting Highlights
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Devon Conway – 152* (121), 19 fours, 3 sixes
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Rachin Ravindra – 123* (96), 11 fours, 5 sixes
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Total: 283/1 in 36.2 overs
It wasn’t just dominant—it was ruthless.
England’s Bowling: A Day to Forget
Defending 283 was never going to be easy, but England’s bowling attack looked out of ideas.
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Chris Woakes and Mark Wood leaked runs upfront.
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Sam Curran picked the lone wicket but gave away 47 in 6 overs.
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Spinners Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali couldn’t contain Conway and Ravindra either.
With no breakthroughs after Will Young’s early dismissal, the attack looked flat, and New Zealand’s batters took full advantage.
Why This Match Matters
This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement victory.
For New Zealand:
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Beating the reigning champions so convincingly shows they’re serious contenders.
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Youngsters like Rachin Ravindra stepping up is a massive boost for balance and depth.
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Their blend of steady bowling and fearless batting could be a formula for success.
For England:
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It’s a wake-up call. The bowling lacked penetration, and the batting was too dependent on Root.
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Their depth and aggressive style are still assets, but they’ll need to adapt quickly to conditions.
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Early hiccups don’t define campaigns—but they sure can dent confidence.
5 Key Takeaways
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Joe Root remains England’s rock – But he needs support if England wants to defend their title.
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Matt Henry is a World Cup specialist – Yet again, he delivered when it mattered.
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Devon Conway is pure class – His innings was one of the best World Cup knocks in recent memory.
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Rachin Ravindra is New Zealand’s rising star – From an exciting youngster to a match-winner, he has arrived.
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England’s bowling needs answers – Without wickets, their aggressive batting won’t be enough.
Also Read : England vs India National Cricket Team Timeline
FAQs: England vs New Zealand 2023 World Cup Match
Q1: Who won the first match of the ICC World Cup 2023?
New Zealand defeated England by 9 wickets.
Q2: Who was the top scorer in the match?
Devon Conway with an unbeaten 152 runs.
Q3: What was England’s final score?
England scored 282/9 in 50 overs.
Q4: Who was New Zealand’s top bowler?
Matt Henry, who took 3 wickets for 48 runs.
Q5: What made New Zealand’s chase so special?
The unbeaten 273-run stand between Conway and Ravindra made the chase look effortless.
Final Thoughts
The New Zealand national cricket team vs England cricket team match scorecard wasn’t just about numbers—it told the story of dominance, resilience, and intent. New Zealand walked away with pride, momentum, and two valuable points, while England left with plenty to think about.
If this opener is any indication, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is going to be one thrilling ride. Buckle up, cricket fans—the drama has only just begun.
