Shoaib Akhtar reacts to low turnout for England-New Zealand ODI World Cup match: 'Very disappointing'

Shoaib Akhtar expressed disappointment at the lack of fans in Ahmedabad on Thursday. (File pic).

The highly-anticipated opening match of the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup between England and New Zealand turned sour in the first innings when fans on social media expressed disappointment at the empty stands during the early phase of the match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Joining in the chorus to express disappointment at the lack of fans in the venue was former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who said it was "very disappointing" to see the stands empty in Ahmedabad.

"Disappointing to see World Cup opening in front of just a few hundred spectators in Ahmedabad. Very disappointing," Akhtar wrote on X(formerly Twitter) on Tuesday.

Disappointing to see World Cup opening in front of just a few hundred spectators in Ahmedabad. Very disappointing #WC2023#BCCI#ENGvsNZhttps://t.co/ulB9DTEwVP

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib_100mph) October 5, 2023

Put into bat, England managed to score 282 for 9 in their 50 overs with every player in their line-up getting to double figures. Joe Root top scored with a 86-ball 77 and captain Jos Buttler made 43 runs in 42 balls.

Matt Henry was the pick of New Zealand's bowlers, taking 3 for 48 in 10 overs. Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips picked up two wickets apiece for the Kiwis.