Clicky
Sports, Cricket

Latham lauds Kiwis’ dominance


Bangladeshpost
Published : 23 Mar 2021 08:44 PM

BSS, Dhaka

Even though Bangladesh had enough wickets athands, New Zealand didn’t allow them to score freely, said skipper TomLatham.

With the disastrous start of the first ODI that eventually bowled them outfor just 131 still fresh in mind, Bangladesh made a cautious start. Theyfurthermore became more cautious after Liton Das fell for naught, reducingBangladesh to 4-1.

However at one phase when skipper Tamim Iqbal set himself nicely in thecrease, he didn’t take any initiative to launch an attack. Tamim who broughtup his half-century off 84, was finally dismissed on 72 off 108.

The intent was not aggressive enough when Mushfiqur Rahim came in thecrease after the dismissal of Tamim. He also went slowly but Mohammad Mithunshowed some intent and courtesy to his 57 ball-73 not out, Bangladesh couldpost a challenging 271-6.

New Zealand overhauled the target in 48.2 overs, making 275-5 with Lathamleading the way with 110 not out.

“Even though, Bangladesh had wickets in hand, we controlled them. Santnerwas good. We didn’t get the best start, but we built through the middle inthe chase,” Latham said after the match.

“We need to adapt to whatever surface we are playing on, and today we didthat. It was a tricky surface. Nice to cross the line. Conway’s donefantastically well. Done well domestically and has now brought it into theinternational game. Always nice to win the series. Want to keep improving asa side.”

While Latham’s fifth ODI century drove the side past victory, he was happyto contribute for the side significantly, especially when New Zealand was in trouble at 53-3.

Latham firstly shared 113-run with Devon Conway and later added further76-run with James Neesham to edge the side closer to victory.

“Nice to have a match-winning contribution. We knew Bangladesh would comeout fighting with the ball. We had to build some partnerships – did that withDevon Conway and Neesham,” he remarked.

“Dew made it tough. With two left-handers and a couple of off-spinners, wehad to take a bit of time early on. We had those partnerships in the middle.We had our targets as a batting unit and they adjust according to scores orbatting units. We know we’re always a couple of good overs from being on top,” he concluded.