India and New Zealand were all set to lock horns yet again, this time in the ODI format. Both teams are looking at this series with distinct aspirations. The Indian cricket team comprehensively whitewashed the Kiwis in the 5-match T20I series.
Also, the last time India competed against the Black Caps in an ODI series, the Men in Blue went on to clinch the series by a 4-1 margin last year in their backyard. India, on the other hand, would be reminiscent of the agonizing semi-finals loss in England during the 2019 World Cup.
All in all, the 3-match ODI series was set up perfectly for an exciting phase of India’s tour of New Zealand. Captain Virat Kohli does not seem to have a clue about making the right call during the toss.
New Zealand skipper, Tom Latham, won the toss and opted to bowl first. Debutants Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal added 50 runs for their opening stand. A couple of wickets in quick succession handed New Zealand an early advantage in the powerplay.
However, captain Kohli and Shreyas Iyer consolidated the innings with their 102 run stand. Yet again, it was a leg-spinner in Ish Sodhi, who managed to take the prized scalp of Kohli (51 off 63).
Iyer, after scoring six half-centuries, finally got the monkey off the back with his maiden three-figure score. India’s number four scored a majestic 103, with his knock laced with 11 boundaries and a maximum.
KL Rahul, coming a number 5, gave the much-needed impetus at the back end of the game, while Kedar Jadav’s cameo powered India to pose a mammoth total of 347 for the loss of four wickets. Rahul quickfire knock of 88 came at a strike rate of 137, with six maximums to his name.
The Kiwi chase looked steep at one point of time, with Guptill and Blundell back in the pavilion. However, Henry Nicholls anchored the chase with his gritty knock of 78.
The turning point in the game arrived with Tom Latham and Taylor at the crease. The duo added 138 runs at a rapid pace, taking the game away from the visitors.
Man of the match, Taylor, took his side across the finishing line with his 21st ODI ton (109 off 84) in able support of Latham (69 off 48). The host finally opened their account in the series with a massive four-wicket win.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Ross kaun hai maaloom hai Kya ?
Ross is the boss.
Ross is the one, who in a few weeks will become the first ever player to play 100 Tests, 100 ODI's, 100 T20's
What an Incredible innings from such a wonderful player .Congrats @BLACKCAPS on chasing down 348 with ease #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/AqkyiysxkL— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 5, 2020
Silaaii karna hai to @RossLTaylor se sikhe.Well played mate #NZvsIND
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 5, 2020
Highest successful chases for NZ v India:
348, Hamilton, 2019 – Taylor 109*
281, Mumbai, 2017 – Taylor 95
279, Hamilton, 2014 – Taylor 112*#NZvInd— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) February 5, 2020
Most 100s batting at No. 4 position in ODIs:
19 – Ross Taylor
15 – AB de Villiers
10 – Aravinda de Silva
9 – Mahela Jayawardene#NZvInd— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) February 5, 2020
💯 No.21 for Ross Taylor 👏
Can he take New Zealand all the way? #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/GhevXC3wDa
— ICC (@ICC) February 5, 2020
A brilliant run chase from 🇳🇿 that was led by Ross Taylor (109*) and well supported by Henry Nicholls (78) and Tom Latham (69).
The hosts go 1-0 up in the 3-match ODI series.
PC: ICC & BCCI#NZvIND #KorboLorboJeetbo pic.twitter.com/1jC2GYAOgl
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) February 5, 2020
Great chase. Sets up the series. Well played NZ. They should close this. #INDvNZ
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) February 5, 2020
Well done @ShreyasIyer15 on your first ODI Ton. Many more to come… #NZvIND
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 5, 2020
