Cricket World Cup Opener England Sets Thrilling 283-Run Target for New Zealand!
In a gripping start to the ICC Cricket World Cup, England has set New Zealand a challenging target of 283 runs. The match, unfolding at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad, witnessed England posting a total of 282 runs for the loss of 9 wickets within their allotted 50 overs.
England’s innings began with a promising 40-run partnership from their openers. However, individual contributions came from David Mullan (14 runs), Jonny Bairstow (33 runs), Harry Brook (25 runs), Moeen Ali (11 runs), Captain Jos Buttler (43 runs), Liam Livingston (20 runs), and Chris Woakes and Sam Curran, both scoring 11 runs, before heading back to the pavilion. The star of the innings was English batsman Joe Root, amassing 77 runs off 86 balls, embellished with 4 fours and a six.
On the bowling front, Matt Henry claimed 3 wickets, while Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips secured 2 wickets each. Trent Boult and Rachin Ravindra chipped in with one wicket each for New Zealand.
Earlier, New Zealand’s captain Tom Latham won the toss and opted to field first. He informed the media that Kane Williamson, currently in recovery, will feature in the playing eleven in the upcoming matches.
In response, English team captain Jos Buttler expressed that he would have chosen to field first if they had won the toss. Nevertheless, England aims to set an imposing target against the Kiwis.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of England’s innings:
| Batsmen | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Mullan | 14 | 22 | 2 | 0 |
| Jonny Bairstow | 33 | 42 | 4 | 0 |
| Harry Brook | 25 | 28 | 3 | 0 |
| Moeen Ali | 11 | 18 | 1 | 0 |
| Jos Buttler (C) | 43 | 39 | 6 | 0 |
| Liam Livingston | 20 | 24 | 1 | 1 |
| Chris Woakes | 11 | 16 | 1 | 0 |
| Sam Curran | 11 | 15 | 1 | 0 |
| Joe Root | 77 | 86 | 4 | 1 |
| Extras | 37 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
| Total | 282/9 | 50 | 27 | 2 |
Note: Extras include wides and no-balls.
New Zealand Squad:
Tom Latham (Captain), Dion Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Jamie Nesham, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, and Trent Boult.
England Squad:
Captain Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, David Mullan, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, and Mark Wood.
Stay tuned for an electrifying second innings as New Zealand endeavors to chase down this formidable target set by England!
