The opening game of the 13th ODI World Cup was expected to be a humdinger, just like the rivals dished out in the 2019 final at Lord’s. But it turned into a rather one-sided contest, largely because England failed to deliver the type of aggressive cricket Jos Buttler had promised on the eve of the match.  In fact, it seemed a reversal of roles, with New Zealand taking a leaf out of England’s aggressive batting style, while the latter struggled in the face of a determined bowling effort by the Kiwis. 

Williamson misses out

New Zealand, playing without their captain Kane Williamson, bowled and fielded purposefully, with stand-in captain Tom Latham marshaling his resources well.  Once England were restricted to 282-9, it was amply clear that they were well short of the par score.