Table of Contents
Cricket fans around the world are gearing up for the much-anticipated start of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, set to commence on October 5. The tournament promises thrilling matches and fierce competition among the world’s top cricketing nations. The opening match will see defending champions England square off against last edition’s runners-up, New Zealand, in a blockbuster showdown at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Jos Buttler, the explosive wicketkeeper-batter, will don the captain’s armband for the English side in this edition’s World Cup, looking to defend their title with a strong and talented squad. On the other hand, Kane Williamson, the renowned New Zealand skipper, will lead the Black Caps throughout the tournament. However, Williamson will be unavailable for the opening match, and in his absence, the responsibility of leading the New Zealand side will fall on the capable shoulders of Tom Latham.
ODI Stats and Records at Narendra Modi Stadium:
- Total matches: 28
- Matches won batting first: 16
- Matches won bowling first: 12
- Average first innings scores: 235
- Average second innings scores: 203
- Highest total recorded: 365/2 (50 Ov) by South Africa vs India
- Lowest total recorded: 85/10 (30.1 Ov) by Zimbabwe vs West Indies
- Highest score chased: 325/5 (47.4 Ov) by India vs West Indies
- Lowest score defended: 196/10 (48.3 Ov) by West Indies vs India
Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report:
Narendra Modi Stadium, known for its grandeur and rich cricketing history, is expected to offer an intriguing contest between bat and ball. The pitch at this venue generally provides support to batters, with a good batting track. However, the early overs of the match may pose a challenge for batters, as the pitch tends to favor seamers initially. Furthermore, the ICC World Cup 2023 matches scheduled at this ground are day-night fixtures, which means the dew factor will come into play, potentially favoring batting conditions in the second innings.
Also READ: One batter from each team to watch out for in ODI World Cup 2023
Ahmedabad Weather Forecast:
Cricket enthusiasts and players can breathe a sigh of relief, as the weather in Ahmedabad is expected to be highly conducive to the game with no threat of rain. The temperature is projected to hover around 35 degrees Celsius, providing ideal conditions for an intense cricketing battle. Humidity levels will remain at a comfortable 51%, while a gentle breeze blowing at 11 kmph will provide some respite from the scorching sun.
ENG vs NZ, probable playing XI, CWC 2023 Match 01:
England: Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Ben Stokes/Hary Brook, Jos Buttler (c and wk), Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid, Chris Woakes/Reece Topley
New Zealand: Will Young, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Tom Latham (c and wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Trent Boult
