The grand stage was set. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad shimmered under lights as it geared up for the inaugural match of the ODI World Cup 2023. The match-up was intriguing, with defending champions England pitted against New Zealand, reminiscent of the thrilling 2019 final.
Anticipation ran high, and expectations were of a jam-packed stadium resonating with cheers and applause. However, to the astonishment of many, only a quarter of the gigantic venue was occupied.
This stark contrast to the hype built around the ICC World Cup 2023 did not go unnoticed. Social media became a hotbed for discussions and speculations. Pictures of the conspicuously empty stands circulated rapidly, raising eyebrows and triggering debates on whether the iconic Wankhede Stadium would have been a more suitable choice, ensuring a full-house experience.
Danielle Wyatt, a prominent figure from the England women's cricket team, was among those who voiced their surprise and disappointment at the turnout.
Here's how social media reacted:
Talking about the match, New Zealand's Captain Tom Latham, standing in for an injured Kane Williamson, won the toss and put England into bat. The English opening didn't disappoint with Jonny Bairstow's towering six in the very first over setting the tone. However, the Kiwi bowlers soon found their rhythm, with Matt Henry pocketing the wicket of Dawid Malan.
The early setback did little to deter the English batters as they unleashed a flurry of boundaries. New Zealand's bowlers, displaying resilience, managed to snag crucial wickets. Spinners Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra chipped in with a wicket each, slowing down England's charge. Despite facing challenges, England's batting appeared formidable, reaching 212/5, with both Joe Root holding the fort.
This World Cup opener is not just a testament to the cricketing prowess of both teams but also underscores the unpredictable nature of fan turnout, especially in large venues. The subsequent matches in the tournament will reveal if this was a one-off incident or indicative of a broader trend.
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