Kiwis stun India
> Latham inspires ‘greatest chase’ for NZ
KANE WILLIAMSON hailed century-maker Tom Latham (pix) and Ross Taylor for inspiring “one of the greatest chases ever” after New Zealand stunned India by six wickets in the first ODI yesterday.
Latham scored 103 and Taylor made 95 as the batsmen put on a massive 200-run partnership to win a thrilling contest at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium with six balls to spare.
The fourth-wicket partnership, which lasted 187 balls, propelled the Kiwis to 284-4 after home captain Virat Kohli’s delightful century saw India record an opening innings total of 280-8.
“It was a brilliant performance from Virat, happening every time he walks out to the crease. But we stuck at it and it was one of the greatest chases I’ve seen, certainly in my time as a Black Cap,” New Zealand captain Williamson said afterwards.
Left-hander Latham’s 102-ball knock included eight fours and two sixes. Batting veteran Taylor’s 95 came off 99 deliveries and included eight fours.
The visitors’ run chase got off to a poor start with opener Colin Munro falling for 28 before Williamson walked shortly afterwards on a paltry six.
When Martin Guptill was sent packing by Hardik Pandya in the 18th over for 32 New Zealand were at 80-3 and looking like they were heading for a heavy defeat.
But 25-year-old Latham and Taylor, 33, had other ideas and easily batted away everything that India’s newest spin attack of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal could throw at them.
“I have to go back to that partnership – Tom and Ross controlled the innings perfectly through the middle overs,” beamed Williamson.
Latham, who was named man of the match, said it had been difficult to keep wicket for 50 overs and then bat for so long in Mumbai’s humidity of 70% plus.
Taylor was dismissed in the penultimate over, caught by Chahal off Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with New Zealand needing just one run to win.
Henry Nicholls then came in and smashed a four to secure the tourists’ victory with Latham finishing the game unbeaten.
“I’ll take the win anytime. I think that was one of his (Latham’s) best innings ever,” Taylor enthused. – AFP
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