In a thrilling clash that kicked off a four-match ODI series, New Zealand showcased their cricketing prowess with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over England. The match witnessed the return of Ben Stokes to one-day international (ODI) cricket, who made a valiant effort with the bat, but it was overshadowed by centuries from New Zealand’s Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell.
Stokes, in his first ODI since ending his brief retirement from the format, played a composed innings, contributing 52 runs from 69 deliveries. His knock, combined with impactful half-centuries from Jos Buttler (72 off 68), Dawid Malan (54 off 53), and Liam Livingstone (52 off 40), propelled England to a respectable total of 291-6. The game was played on a surface in Cardiff that promised a challenging contest between bat and ball.
However, New Zealand had different plans altogether. Devon Conway showcased his remarkable batting prowess, crafting an unbeaten 111 runs from 121 balls. His partner in crime, Daryl Mitchell, was equally spectacular, smashing an unbeaten 118 runs from just 91 deliveries. Together, they formed an unbroken third-wicket partnership worth an impressive 180 runs, guiding New Zealand to victory with 26 balls to spare.
Adil Rashid was England’s shining light with the ball, dismissing New Zealand opener Will Young for 29 with a delightful leg break. However, Rashid experienced some discomfort due to cramps and struggled upon his return, concluding with figures of 1-70 from his eight overs. Reece Topley (0-47 from six) and ODI debutant Gus Atkinson (0-47 from seven) also found it challenging to contain the onslaught of New Zealand’s batting line-up.
This encounter marked the first ODI meeting between England and New Zealand since their unforgettable World Cup final at Lord’s in 2019, a match that England clinched based on the boundary countback rule. As both teams gear up for the forthcoming World Cup, scheduled to commence on October 5th in Ahmedabad, India, questions loom over their final squad selections.
Dawid Malan and Harry Brook played vital roles for England in this fixture. Opening the innings together, they stitched a partnership of 80 runs off 90 balls. Malan’s elegant cover drives were a sight to behold as he reached a 48-ball half-century before falling victim to Rachin Ravindra (3-48) in the 15th over. On the other hand, Harry Brook managed 25 runs from 41 balls, but his performance did not make a compelling case for inclusion in England’s World Cup 15.
The turning point in the match came when England found themselves at 101-3 after Joe Root (16) fell to a sweep shot that found its way to deep midwicket. Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler then combined forces, constructing a steady 88-run partnership from 104 balls. Stokes reached his fifty in 67 balls, eventually scoring 52 before being caught at cover off Ravindra. Buttler’s collaboration with Liam Livingstone was swift, requiring only 31 deliveries to register a fifty partnership, aided by three consecutive sixes off Kyle Jamieson (0-61 from seven overs).
Nonetheless, England’s innings appeared to be losing steam until David Willey (21 not out off 11) injected late momentum by smashing Tim Southee for four and a six in the final over.
Despite England’s late flourish, New Zealand’s resolute batting display ensured a comprehensive victory. Loose bowling, particularly from Topley, allowed New Zealand’s openers, Conway and Young, to race to 61-0 from 10 overs. Adil Rashid managed to break the partnership by bowling Young off stump, but he was hampered by cramps, rendering him ineffective in the latter part of his spell.
Conway and Mitchell continued to pile on the runs, ultimately leading New Zealand to a comfortable win. This victory marked New Zealand’s third consecutive triumph over England in white-ball cricket, demonstrating their dominance in this format.
Looking ahead, England and New Zealand will continue their ODI series at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton, with the next match scheduled for Sunday. The series will conclude with two matches in London next week, at The Kia Oval and Lord’s, promising more captivating cricketing action.
In conclusion, New Zealand’s commanding performance in the first ODI against England set the tone for an exciting series ahead. While Ben Stokes’ comeback was a highlight for England, the brilliance of Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell proved to be the decisive factor. The stage is now set for the upcoming matches in what promises to be a thrilling contest between these two cricketing powerhouses.