ODI World Cup 2023 kicks off in near-empty Narendra Modi Stadium, pic goes viral

After several months of patient build-up, the ODI World Cup 2023 has finally commenced, with defending champions England facing New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, October 5.

The colossal stadium has a capacity of One lakh thirty-two thousand, making it the largest cricket ground in the world. However, the two finalists of the 2019 edition of the tournament were surprisingly greeted with empty stands. 

Welcome to World Cup 2023. pic.twitter.com/ra3m9rUXax

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 5, 2023

The first match of any marquee event is met with immense excitement from the fans. While the same is visible on social media, the enthusiasm wasn't on show in the initial moments of the first game. However, the match is on a weekday, and fans could make their way to the stadium to witness the curtain raiser in the latter half of the match. The ground of such enormous capacity is tough to fill, but a game of such magnitude deserves a strong crowd.

England lose both openers after solid start

Tom Latham won the toss and invited England to bat first on what looked like a fine track at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Trent Boult and Matt Henry couldn't get much out of the surface as Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan got England off to a steady start.

Henry picked up the first wicket in the 2023 ODI World Cup as he dismissed Malan, who perished for a 24-ball 14, caught behind by Latham. England had posted 40 runs in 7.4 overs at that point. Joe Root joined Bairstow in the middle and went on to play what has now become one of his trademark reverse scoop shots off Boult for a six. Bairstow's swashbuckling innings ended on 33 off 35 balls as he chipped one to Daryl Mitchell at long-off. England have a deep batting line-up but would want a partnership or two to set a platform for their big hitters in the lower order.

Also Check: England vs New Zealand Match Live Updates