New Zealand’s match-winner Ross Taylor believes restricting India to below 350 was key to their win in Hamilton.
Taylor smashed a sublime century as the Black Caps chased down India’s 347 to take a 1-0 ODI series lead. The victory was just what the home side needed following a 5-0 T20I series whitewash last week. That also saw New Zealand suffer successive super over disappointments.
However, they bounced back in fine style at Seddon Park despite being without captain Kane Williamson due to a shoulder injury.
Shreyas Iyer hit 103 for India before being removed by Tim Southee late on. Southee also claimed the scalp of opener Mayank Agarwal. Ish Sodhi took the key wicket of Virat Kolhi when the India skipper looked in menacing form on 51.
Taylor said: “It has been an interesting summer, so to speak, (so it’s) good to get across the line. To restrict them under 350 gave us a chance.
“We were fortunate with the right-left combination and we targeted the short boundary.
“Tom (Latham) released the pressure off me. I told my boys Hamilton is like sleeping is my bed.
“Southee said you can take the bed with you. You try not to have a hangover, but it’s nice to be there at the end to finish it off.”
Latham to lead the Black Caps in Auckland
Tom Latham stepped in and captained the side in the absence of Williamson.
He looks set to keep the role in Auckland with Williamson not being considered for a return until the third ODI.
New Zealand team physiotherapist Vijay Vallabh explained the injury, saying: “Kane has had an X-ray scan which cleared him of anything serious, but it’s best for his recovery that he avoids aggravating the joint for the next few days.
“He will continue his fitness training sessions throughout the week and will start batting again on Friday with the prospect of being available for game three next Tuesday.”
