**ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Match Report: New Zealand Triumphs Over England by 9 Wickets**
*Ahmadabad, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – Match 1*
In the thrilling opener of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 held at Ahmadabad, New Zealand displayed their dominance as they defeated England by a commanding margin of 9 wickets.
**England Innings Highlights:**
England opted to bat first and managed to accumulate a competitive total of 282/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Jonny Bairstow played a steady innings, contributing 33 runs from 35 balls, featuring 4 fours and 1 six. Joe Root was the linchpin for England, recording an impressive 77 runs from 86 deliveries at a strike rate of 89.53. England’s captain, Jos Buttler, chipped in with 43 runs off 42 balls, striking 2 fours and 1 six.
Matt Henry emerged as the standout performer with the ball, taking 3 crucial wickets while conceding 48 runs in his 10 overs, boasting an economy rate of 4.8. Mitchell Santner proved to be the most economical bowler, giving away just 37 runs in his 10 overs with an economy rate of 3.7, and also claimed two wickets. Glenn Phillips managed to secure two wickets, conceding 17 runs in his three-over spell, with an economy rate of 5.66. Trent Boult chipped in with one wicket, conceding 48 runs in his 10 overs.
**New Zealand Innings Highlights:**
New Zealand showcased a magnificent batting display, chasing down the target of 283 runs in just 36.2 overs, securing the win with ease. Their final score stood at 283/1, reflecting an impressive scoring rate of 7.78.
Devon Conway was the star of the show, amassing a remarkable 152 runs from 121 balls, boasting a strike rate of 125.61. His innings included 19 boundaries and three towering sixes. This century marked his fifth in ODI cricket, achieved in just 22 innings. Rachin Ravindra provided excellent support, contributing 123 runs from 96 balls, at a striking rate of 128.12, featuring 11 fours and 5 sixes. It was his maiden ODI century, a remarkable achievement.
Sam Curran managed to grab one wicket for England, conceding 47 runs in his 6 overs, with an economy rate of 7.83. Mark Wood, however, had a tough day, as he proved to be the most expensive bowler for England, giving away 55 runs in 5 overs, with an economy rate of 11.
**Match Summary:**
*England Innings:* 282/9 in 50 overs
*Top Performer:* Joe Root (77 runs)
*Key Bowler:* Matt Henry (3/48 in 10 overs)
*New Zealand Innings:* 283/1 in 36.2 overs
*Top Performer:* Devon Conway (152 runs)
*Key Bowler:* Sam Curran (1/47 in 6 overs)
*Result:* New Zealand won by 9 wickets
New Zealand’s convincing victory in this opening encounter sets the stage for what promises to be an enthralling ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
