New Delhi: New Zealand won the first One Day International (ODI) match against India, defeating the Men in Blue by 7 wickets, with 17 balls to spare. The crushing defeat for Team India came despite posting a big total of 306 runs.
The Kiwis wobbled in the beginning and were on backfoot in the middle of game but on back of stellar innings by Latham and skipper Williamson, the Kiwis romped home with ease. Latham played a valiant knock of 145 runs and hit more than a dozen boundaries & 5 sixes. Williamson too played the captain’s knock and scored 94 runs.
Indian bowlers started off on a good note and restricted the Blackcaps from scoring big initially. But, as the game progressed Team India seamers & spinners both failed to hold ground and the Kiwis kept consolidating their innings. Towards the last 10 overs, they smashed Indian bowlers and turned the thriller into an easy game.
Earlier, as New Zealand began chase of a big target of 307 runs, set by Team India in the 1st ODI match, the Kiwis appeared to lost control of the game but partnership between skipper Williamson & Latham laid the foundation for its recovery.
Beginning the chase of big total, the Blackcaps lost quick wickets and were just 130/3 in 32 overs. A quick view from the experts was the match may slip away from their hands.
Williamson & Latham dug in their heels and steadily chased the target.
Williamson and Latham have put on hundred runs together – the required rate is over 8 per over #NZvIND
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 25, 2022
The game was exciting and had the potential to be a thriller but unfortunately it turned into a major turn-off for cricket lovers.
Batting first, the Men in Blue had posted a total of 306 runs on the scorecard, on back of spectacular batting performances from Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill & Shreyas Iyer.
