Ahmedabad, 5/10: New Zealand steamrollered defending champions England by nine wickets in the opening match of the 50-over World Cup on Thursday, demonstrating again their knack of punching above their weight in showpiece events.
Devon Conway and 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 defeated New Zealand.