Whenever the ICC World Cup is underway, many Pakistan cricket fans tend to search for similarities with the 1992 World Cup — which was the only time the Men in Green managed to win the coveted trophy.
With the mega event starting today with New Zealand beating England by nine wickets in Ahmedabad, the similarities between the Green Shirts’ campaigns in the 1992 and 2023 World Cup have also started.
In record books, the 1992 World Cup started with New Zealand beating the defending champions (Australia), 2023 has also started with New Zealand beating defending champions England.
Remember, New Zealand claimed a sided win over the defending champions. The centuries from Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra put England on the backfoot completely in chase of 283.
Conway and Ravindra added 273 unbeaten runs in 211 balls for the second wicket partnership to power their side to a comprehensive victory.
Conway smashed 152 runs in 121 balls, meanwhile, Ravindra scored 123 in 96.
Earlier, England’s Joe Root made 77 in an otherwise inconsistent batting display by holders England, who posted 282-9 against New Zealand in the first match of the 50-over World Cup on Thursday.
Put in to bat in a rematch of the 2019 final, England’s otherwise formidable lineup did not really fire but Root, Jos Buttler (43) and Jonny Bairstow (33) ensured their side at least have a competitive total to defend.
Root reverse-scooped Trent Boult for a six but eventually lost his stumps to Glenn Phillips attempting another reverse shot, which effectively snuffed out England’s hopes of a 300-plus total.
Matt Henry claimed 3-48 for New Zealand, while their three spinners shared five wickets on a hot afternoon at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
New Zealand rested regular captain Kane Williamson (knee injury) and fast bowler Tim Southee (thumb injury) to give them more time to recover from surgery.
Lockie Ferguson also missed out with a minor injury.
England left out Ben Stokes, who is nursing a minor hip injury.
His replacement Harry Brook (25) hit Rachin Ravindra for two fours and a six before throwing away his wicket in the spinner’s eventful first over.
