ICC World Cup 2023: Ecstasy or Agony? An interesting curtain-raiser awaits England and New Zealand in Ahmedabad

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The World Cup 2023 juggernaut is set to commence in the Western city of Ahmedabad on Thursday (October 5). The opening-day order is between two familiar foes, as England lock horns against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Now when it comes to the biggest stage of cricket, England and New Zealand are not strangers. They met in the 2019 World Cup Final, which saw an enthralling finish as England managed to lift their first-ever World Cup title.

England vs New Zealand World Cup 2019 Final

The 2019 World Cup final held at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground saw an exceptional display of cricket dominated by undying spirit, unbelievable turns and the heart-stopping Super Over.

His indomitable spirit was on full display as he single-handedly got England out of a tight spot. With his marvelous innings of 84 runs off 98 balls, which included five fours and two sixes, Stokes ensured England stayed in the game and reached a nail-biting tie at the end of 50 overs. So gritty was his performance that it has since been dubbed one of the best innings played in a World Cup final.

The Super Over Rejoice and Despair

The match got extended to the Super Overs and England posted 15 runs on board for New Zealand to chase. What unfolded next exceeded everyone's expectations as New Zealand also ended their super over with 15 runs, creating a situation no cup final had ever seen before.

England was ultimately crowned champions based on the boundary count - the most extreme and suspenseful finale one could imagine. This resulted in a mixture of jubilation and heartbreak as England touched glory for the first time in World Cup history, while the Kiwis had to face the slim difference between victory and defeat.

World Cup 2023: Will it be a repeat of 2019?

As the two teams collide in the inaugural match of this edition in India, the question looms large again. Will we witness another nailbiter in Ahmedabad? That is definitely on the cards.

England and New Zealand have often found themselves at arm's length of each other. Matches between these two sides have been intriguing, full of action and often a close encounter. And they won't leave an inch to their opponent in this match as well.

But if we take a look at recent encounters, the gulf between the two teams have increased considerably. In the bilateral series just a few weeks ago, there was no match which came close. New Zealand won the first ODI by 8 wickets, and England won the next three matches by 79 runs, 181 runs, and 100 runs.

Although World Cup is a completely different ball game and also the conditions, and circumstances are different, England will still fancy a comprehensive victory over their Oceanian counterparts. For the Black caps, the gasp and agony of the previous World Cup is still in mind and they would love to redeem themselves.

And for the fans, the large contingent from England and New Zealand have already arrived in Ahmedabad and they will be rooting for the victory of their respective nation. But one thing is for sure, whatever happens, it won't be the same as 2019, as the loser will have another chance to turn the tables this time.