Twitter Reactions: Tom Latham’s ton guides New Zealand to series triumph against Bangladesh

The second ODI of the series between New Zealand and Bangladesh was a much high-scoring and competitive affair than the first game in Dunedin. But the result turned out to be the same as the Black Caps won by five wickets with eight balls to spare. Moreover, the hosts have gained an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series with the final ODI to be played on Friday.

Tamim and Mithun shepherd Bangladesh

After being put in to bat first, the Tigers didn’t have a great start as Matt Henry removed Liton Das for a duck. But Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar restored sanity with an 81-run stand. Tamim survived a scare in his 30s after the third umpire overturned an on-field call of ‘Out’. Kyle Jamieson took a catch in his follow-through, but as per the TV umpire, the bowler had grassed the leather.

Tamim went on to notch a half-century off 84 balls. But James Neesham’s football skills led to his run-out after he scored a 108-ball 78 with 11 fours. Mitchell Santner chipped in with the wickets of Sarkar and Mushfiqur in their 30s. Thereafter, Mohammad Mithun came to the party and gave Bangladesh the finishing kick. He scored a 57-ball 73, taking the Tigers to 271 for six in 50 overs.

Latham comes to the party

In their run-chase, the Black Caps had initial stutters. Even as Mustafizur Rahman removed Martin Guptill, Mahedi Hasan accounted for the wickets of Henry Nicholls and Will Young. But then, Devon Conway and Tom Latham’s 113-run partnership brought New Zealand back into the game. It was Tamim’s direct that separated the duo as Conway perished for a 93-ball 72 with seven fours.

From the 35th over to the next couple of overs, Bangladesh dropped three catches. Even as Mushfiqur dropped Neesham, Mahedi and Mehidy Hasan Miraz gave Latham two lifelines. Latham made them pay as he got to his century off 101 balls. The southpaw stayed unbeaten on 110 with 10 fours. Neesham also didn’t spare the Tigers as he got a handy 34-ball 30 lower down the order.

Here’s how the netizens reacted to New Zealand’s win:

Wow! Tom Latham you are my new hero (Devon Conway is still a very close 2nd) 🥰#blackcaps #legends

— Julie Scott (@missjulesscott) March 23, 2021

Superb chase by the Kiwis. Brilliantly paced 100 by Tom Latham.

— கரிக் கடை boy (@KarikadaiBoy) March 23, 2021

Tom Latham.. One of the Modern Great for @BLACKCAPS #NZvBAN #INDvENG

— PIYUSH PAWAR (@im_piyushpawar) March 23, 2021

Blackcaps chase down Bangladesh's 271 and seal the three-match series with a game to go.

A captain's knock Tom Latham: 110*(108)#NZvBAN #NZvsBAN #Latham pic.twitter.com/niigOBUAkw

— Extra Pace (@Extra_Pace) March 23, 2021

Most hundreds by a No.5 batsman in a successful ODI chase:

3 – Eoin Morgan
2 – TOM LATHAM
2 – AB de Villiers
2 – Shakib Al Hasan
2 – Mahela Jayawardene#Cricket #NZvsBAN #CricTracker

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 23, 2021

There it is!!

A superlative performance from Tom Latham shepherds New Zealand to a series win over Bangladesh.#NZvBAN #TomLathampic.twitter.com/yqObqbYQNA

— OneCricket (@OneCricketApp) March 23, 2021

Well played Skipper Tom Latham and Devon Conway.
NZ won the second ODI by 5 wickets. #NZvBAN

— No_One (@NoOne43571215) March 23, 2021

Why fear when Tom Latham and Devon Conway is here

Brilliant 100 from captain Latham
Phenomenal support from Conway
Handy contribution from Neesham

From 53-3 to 275-5 that's brilliant chase from @BLACKCAPS and sealed the series in style 👏#NZvBAN

"pic.twitter.com/ULeY0PRPfm

— Captain Kane (@SteadyTheShip) March 23, 2021

tom latham so underated player
congratulations#NZvBAN

— Nikhil R Kadam (@rassawatti) March 23, 2021

NZ won the ODI series with 1 game to go against Bangladesh.
Fantastic ton by Captain Tom Latham.
Now Bangladesh will do
Nagin 🐍🐍🐍dance

— Kartik godara (KG) (@Kartikgodara333) March 23, 2021

It’s all over at Hagley Oval – New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 5 wickets thanks to an outstanding innings from Tom Latham. #NZvBAN

— BB (@bb_eki) March 23, 2021