ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: England achieve unique record in the history of 4658 ODI Cricket matches

All 11 England batters scored in double-digits against New Zealand in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 opener.

Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium is witnessing history as defending champions England take on New Zealand in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 curtain-raiser. NZ captain Tom Latham won the toss and invited English batting line-up to put up a target. England’s batting line-up had a bit of a struggle against New Zealand spinners in the middle-overs and were curtailed on just 282 runs with nine wickets down.

England's unique ODI world record

Even after a challenging innings, England's batting created a new world record. From Jonny Bairstow to Mark Wood, everyone in English batting line-up contributed to England’s challenging total in Ahmedabad. All 11 English batters touched the double-digit score, and this happened for the first time in the history of 4658 ODI games. No other team before Thursday’s game had the chance to stamp their name on this special record.

England have become the first and only team in the world with all 11 batters in the playing XI contributing double-digit scores in the playing XI. England’s No. 11 Mark Wood scored unbeaten 13 runs in 14 balls, along with Adil Rashid also remaining unbeaten on 15 runs in 13 balls. Their 10th wicket partnership added 30 runs in the last 26 balls to take England above 280. Joe Root was the top-scorer in England’s innings with 77 runs on 86 balls.

Jonny Bairstow scored 33 runs, his opening partner got out cheaply on just 14 runs. Captain Jos Buttler contributed 43 runs on 42 balls with 2 fours and 2 sixes in his innings. Liam Livingstone scored 20 runs in his 22-balls stay. Harry Brook also had a brilliant start to the innings and could not go above the 25-runs mark. Moeen Ali was castled by part-timer Glenn Phillips on 11 runs. Sam Curran (14) and Chris Woakes (11) also contributed double-digit marks.

New Zealand needs 283 runs to win the opening game of the tournament and set the tone for their campaign. Matt Henry had a wonderful time and troubled English batters with his pace. Henry picked up three wickets and conceded 48 runs in his 10 overs. Glenn Phillips bowled just 3 overs, but he picked up two crucial wickets from Joe Root and Moeen Ali. Santner was also among the wickets, as he got two in his 10 overs, conceding just 37 runs.