Vice-captain Tom Latham (145 not out off 104 balls) and captain Kane Williamson (94 not out off 98 balls) made a mockery of India's bowling attack and rolled out New Zealand's path to a historic seven-wicket victory in the first ODI in Auckland on November 25 (Friday). Latham put on a masterclass of stroke-making and toyed with Indian bowlers as he registered his seventh century in ODI cricket. Williamson played second fiddle to his deputy and oozed immense class and composure in a tricky run chase. Chasing a monumental target of 307 runs, the Black Caps completed the job with 17 balls to spare.
India captain Shikhar Dhawan feels his bowlers failed to execute their plans and bowled too short to an attacking batter like Latham, who cashed in on the opportunity to register his career-best ODI score.
"We felt good with the total. The ball was seaming in the first 15 overs. This ground is a bit different than other grounds. We bowled a lot on a short of a length, and Latham attacked. We misfielded on a few balls," a disappointed Dhawan said at the post-match.
"But as I said, we were quite short to Latham, and that's where he took the game away. He hit four boundaries in the 40th over, and that's where the game shifted. Surely lots of learning for the boys," he added.
New Zealand skipper Williamson said Latham played a special knock at the Eden Park, where anything is chaseable because of the dimensions of the square boundaries.
“It was a competitive total. If you build partnerships here at Eden Park, you can chase anything. Incredible innings from Tom Latham," Williamson said.
"On these drop-in pitches, you bowl full and straight, and it can be difficult. It was one of the most special ODI knocks I have seen. You are always in the game with the dimensions.
"Spin played a big role today. The seamers did an excellent job. There were moments when we put them under pressure. Nice to make a contribution, and with Tommy going the way he was, it was about complementing," he added.
Man of the Match Latham felt it was one of those days when everything went according to his plans.
"Just one of those days when everything comes off. Having a bit of fun in the end...It was nice to put the ball in the gaps and run hard. I guess the preparation has been nice," he said.
“Washington Sundar was getting a bit of turn. Small ground, so you can capitalise in the end. Nice partnership with Kane, who played beautifully,” the left-handed batter added.
