Devon Conway slams century on World Cup debut: Key stats
New Zealand opener Devon Conway has slammed his fifth century in ODI cricket. He reached the three-figure mark while chasing 283 against England in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup opening match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Notably, this was Conway's maiden appearance in the ODI World Cup. He shared a century stand with Rachin Ravindra. Here are the key stats.
A knock for the ages
New Zealand lost Will Young as they attempted to chase a total of 283 in Ahmedabad. However, Conway and Ravindra made it up for the Black Caps, taking them to a one-sided win. Conway reached his fifth ODI ton off just 83 balls in the 27th over. He smashed an unbeaten 152 off 121 balls (19 fours and 3 sixes).
Fourth-highest individual score on WC debut
As per Bharath Seervi, Conway's 152* is now the fourth-highest individual score on World Cup debut. He is only behind Gary Kirsten (188* in 1996), Craig Wishart (172* in 2003), and Glenn Turner (171* in 1975).
Fastest NZ player to 1,000 ODI runs
During the match, Conway attained another feat. He is now the fastest New Zealand player to 1,000 runs in ODI cricket. The left-handed batter reached this landmark in his 22nd ODI innings. He broke the record of Turner and Daryl Mitchell, both of whom unlocked this achievement in 24 innings. Conway now owns 1,026 runs from 23 ODIs at an average of 54.00.
A look at the match summary
England made a steady start after NZ elected to field. Although openers Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan added 40 runs, England lost successive wickets. Only Joe Root and Jos Buttler crossed 40 for England as they managed 282/9 (50). It was a one-sided show in the second innings after Young departed. Conway and Ravindra slammed tons, guiding NZ to win in the 37th over.
More records for Conway
As per Cricbuzz, Conway is now the second-oldest to score a hundred on a World Cup debut (32y, 89d). He is only behind Jeremy Bray (33d, 105d), who scored a hundred for Ireland versus Zimbabwe, Kingston, 2007. Conway and Ravindra's 273*-run is NZ's best partnership in the ICC World Cup. Conway and Ravindra's stand is now the highest for any wicket in England-NZ ODIs.
