New Zealand opener Devon Conway has been in fine form for his country and commenced his ODI World Cup career with a brilliant century in the opening match against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, October 5, The Kiwis needed 283 for the win, and Conway's ton, alongside a brilliant inning from another World Cup debutant in Rachin Ravindra, has taken the team closer to the target.
This is Conway's fourth century in 2023, and fifth in just 23 ODIs that he has played. Conway is also the first New Zealand batter since Nathan Astle to smash a century against England. Ironically, Conway's feat will be very similar to that of former legend Nathan Astle, who hit a century at the same venue in the opening match of the 1996 ODI World Cup.
Conway's innings consisted of 13 fours and two 6s, and the batter took 83 balls to reach his fifth ODI ton, and first on such a big stage.
Soon after his ton, Ravindra also notched up his ton and became the youngest New Zealand player to his a century in the ODI World Cup at the age of 23. The previous record was, once again held by Nathan Astle, as the two Kiwi batters kept applying the pressure of the Indian bowlers. Ravindra has been especially impressive during his innings, with 10 fours and four 6s to his name till now. This is also the first time a NZ pair has shared a 200+ partnership for any wicket in World Cup.
The two New Zealand batters combined for a partnership of an unbeaten 273 runs, with Conway scoring 152 runs off 121 balls and his partner Ravindra smashing 123 runs in just 96 balls for the Kiwis
Earlier, Glenn Phillips surprised everyone with a remarkable spell of 3-0-17-2, dismissing Joe Root (77) and Moeen Ali (11). Mitchell Santner's 10-0-37-2 and Matt Henry's 10-1-48-3 were instrumental in ensuring New Zealand restricted England to below 300 on a batting-friendly pitch.
Taking advantage of the warm and humid conditions, New Zealand's spinners effectively countered England's aggressive batting style, delivering a united bowling effort at the Narendra Modi Stadium. For the Englishmen, Joe Root was the highest run-getter with 77 runs to his name.
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