New Zealand start their World Cup campaign in the most perfect way possible, as Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra hand defending champions England a massive defeat. The Kiwis beat England by 9 wickets and with 82 deliveries to spare, as they made light work of the 282 target posted by England. 

After losing the toss, England posted a total of 281/9 in their quota of 50 overs. Joe Root, who was having a lean patch before this World Cup, rose up to the occasion as he scored 77. 

There were a few cameos from captain Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow. Buttler scored a run a ball 42, while Bairstow scored 33 of 35.

Matt Henry was the pick of the bowlers for the Blackcaps, as he finished with a spell of 3/48 in 10 overs. Mitchell Santner and Trent Boult chipped in with 2 and 1 wickets respectively to tie down the current champions.

Despite the total being far from what England would have wanted, it was still a challenging total. England had a brilliant start with the ball as Sam Curran dismissed Will Young for a golden duck.

However, that was the only success England found. Ravindra came and joined Conway and lit up the stadium with their amazing batting display. The duo showed no mercy to any of the English bowlers, as they kept on piling runs at a rapid pace. 

The partnership was unbeaten at 273 runs in 211 deliveries. New Zealand chased down the total in 36.2 overs, giving them a massive net run rate boost as well. Conway and Ravindra remained unbeaten at 152 and 123 respectively.

Ravindra was adjudged the player of the match for his brilliant century, and for picking up the wicket of Harry Brook.