In the opening game of the ICC ODI World Cup yesterday, New Zealand thrashed the reigning champions England by nine wickets, showing once again that they are capable of punching above their weight in major competitions.
Rapid unbroken centuries from Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra enabled New Zealand to reach their 283-run victory target with 13.4 overs remaining.
It was a replay of the thrilling 2019 final at Lord's, which saw England emerge victorious because to a boundary countback rule that has since been abandoned after the game ended in a tie.
Thursday's decision to field was rewarded by New Zealand's bowlers, who held their opponents to a meager score of 282-9 despite the firepower in England's typically potent batting order.
However, Joe Root (77), Jos Buttler (43) and Jonny Bairstow (33) offered some fight. England's batters did not really shine.
However, England struggled to maintain enough partnerships and frequently lost wickets.
On a scorching afternoon at the Narendra Modi Stadium, New Zealand's three spinners shared five wickets while Matt Henry got 3-48 for his side.
It was a spotty batting performance overall, but all 11 of England's batters reached double digits, which is the first time that has happened for any side in ODIs.
Will Young was dismissed for nought in the first over, but Conway, who scored a career-high 152 runs without being bowled, and Ravindra quickly shifted the focus back to England with their free scoring.
Both left-handers reached the 50-ball threshold in 36 balls, appearing to be in a competition with one another to do so.
In 83 balls, Conway reached his hundred-mark. During his amazing World Cup debut, Ravindra, who had a 273-run epic partnership with Conway, needed just one less delivery to reach his first ODI hundred.
While England rested Ben Stokes, who is dealing with a minor hip injury, New Zealand rested regular skipper Kane Williamson (knee) and fast bowler Tim Southee (thumb) to give them more time to recover from surgery.
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