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The World Cup’s start is far from grand; there’s no opening ceremony, and the stadium sits nearly empty. Ticket release delays and booking issues deter overseas fans, hampering the tournament’s global appeal.
High ticket prices, starting at 1000 rupees, pose a challenge for Indian fans, making attending matches financially demanding. In a cricket-loving nation of 1.3 billion, it’s disheartening that the opening game struggles to draw a crowd.
Cricket may be a religion, but Indian fans primarily turn out for the national team, leaving stadiums sparsely filled for other matches. This raises questions about the politics behind stadium choices when the local population doesn’t fully embrace the game.
The innings of the England team were a true team effort, with all 11 batters contributing to the total. However, there was only one partnership that managed to exceed the fifty-run mark.
Mark Wood and Adil Rashid, typically known for their bowling, made a different kind of impact with their batting prowess. They were the standout performers, particularly for tailenders, as they crafted an unbroken 30-run 10th-wicket partnership. This achievement marked England’s highest 10th wicket stand in seven years.
Joe Root, the highest run-scorer with 77, displayed his class with a commendable strike rate despite featuring in only 10 ODIs over the last two years. However, in his typical fashion, Root pulled off a classic move. He delicately placed the ball into a gap in front of a fielder and sprinted for a quick single. His 77 runs were the highest individual score for the entire team.
Glenn Phillips had his moment in the spotlight, providing some major breakthroughs with his part-time offspin. His crucial wickets, including the dismissal of Moeen Ali, proved extremely valuable. This versatility becomes particularly handy for the team, offering the option of an additional bowler in crucial matches to add variety to the bowling attack.
Mitchell Santner’s bowling display was nothing short of brilliance, conceding zero runs in all 10 of his overs. Such a feat is a rare sight in one-day cricket, especially against the reigning World Cup champions. Santner’s clever performance was a testament to his skill and control.
Having watched Matt Henry’s performance live from the pavilion end during the warm-up matches, it’s clear that he’s an absolute standout. Henry showcased his skills by taking 3 wickets for just 48 runs. His presence in the team more than compensated for the absence of the legendary Tim Southee.
A rising star has emerged in the cricketing world, and his name is Rachin Ravindra. He made a resounding statement by scoring an unbeaten 123, becoming the youngest centurion for New Zealand on the international stage. His unmatched shotmaking skills and fearless play gave the impression that he owned the pitch, all while doing it for the first time in India.
Having shone brightly with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, Devon Conway wasted no time making his presence felt on the world stage at the World Cup. His spectacular unbeaten century, a breathtaking 152, not only left spectators in awe but also broke a significant record by becoming the fastest 50-over World Cup century by a New Zealander.
In a remarkable display of cricketing prowess, the Kiwi team, led by Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, etched their names into the tournament’s history books with a stunning partnership. This dynamic duo not only broke records but also did it with sheer glory and style.
Their performance seemed like the perfect revenge for the heartbreak suffered in the 2019 World Cup final. In the inaugural match of the 2023 edition, New Zealand unleashed a nine-wicket demolition of England, leaving the defending champions thoroughly battered. It could very well be remembered as one of the most emphatic victories of the tournament.
More from this ICC World Cup 2023
