New Zealand opener Devon Conway fired his first century in the ODI World Cup 2023 to power his team to a crushing 9-wicket victory over defending champions England in the opening match of the tournament in Ahmedabad on October 5, 2023.
Conway batted with great composure and timing to score 152* off 138 balls, hitting 16 fours and 2 sixes. He put on an unbeaten 273-run partnership with Rachin Ravindra, who also scored a century (123* off 96 balls), to take New Zealand to victory with 14 overs to spare.
Conway’s century was the first by a New Zealand batsman in a World Cup opener since Nathan Astle in 1996. It was also the highest individual score by a New Zealand batsman in a World Cup match against England.
Conway’s Performance –
Conway’s performance was all the more remarkable given that he was playing in his first ODI World Cup. He had only made his ODI debut in March 2022, but he had quickly established himself as one of the leading batsmen in the world.
Conway’s century against England was a testament to his class and ability. He batted with great patience and discipline, and he never gave away his wicket cheaply. He also showed great power and timing, hitting some delightful boundaries.
Impact on New Zealand –
Conway’s century had a major impact on New Zealand’s victory. He took the pressure off his teammates and allowed them to play freely. He also set up a platform for New Zealand to chase down the target comfortably.
Conclusion –
Conway’s century was a brilliant start to his ODI World Cup campaign. He is one of the most talented batsmen in the world, and he is sure to play a key role in New Zealand’s quest to win the tournament.
