IND vs NZ: Tom Latham Equals Brendon McCullum's Massive World Cup Record

New Zealand stand-in skipper Tom Latham achieved a significant milestone during the recent match against Afghanistan in the ICC World Cup 2023. Tom Latham equaled Brendon McCullum’s record of most fifties by a New Zealand wicketkeeper batter in ODI World Cup history.

Tom Latham notched up a half-century against Afghanistan in Chennai on Wednesday, October 18. The left-handed batter scored 68 runs off 74 balls, including three fours and two sixes. He helped the team register a comfortable 149-run victory in their fourth match.

Devon Conway scored only 20 runs off 18 balls before being dismissed by Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra forged a 79-run partnership for the second wicket. The Afghan bowlers bounced back to take three wickets, restricting the opposition to 110/4.

Tom Latham Equals Brendon McCullum’s Record In ODI World Cups

Tom Latham steadied the innings after the collapse, adding a 144-run partnership with Glenn Phillips for the fifth wicket. Phillips scored 71 runs off 80 deliveries, including four boundaries and as many sixes. The Kiwis posted a total of 288 runs for 6 wickets in 50 overs.

Latham smashed his third fifty for the New Zealand cricket team in ODI World Cup history, equaling the record set by iconic wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum. The former wicketkeeper, Lee Germon, who scored a single 50-plus, is also in this exclusive club.

We Were Put Under Pressure – Tom Latham

Speaking after the victory, Tom Latham expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, especially highlighting the bowlers’ ability to take crucial wickets. Latham hoped to maintain the momentum in upcoming matches against India and Australia.

“A pleasing start. Another great performance. We were put under pressure some times. The bowlers managed to take wickets when it was needed. We had lost three wickets in a short span of time. We thought of regrouping. They bowled fantastically well. We managed to capitalize. Glenn played a fantastic knock. The first 10 overs were superb. Mitch Santner coming in and doing his job. Pleasing all-round performance. I guess on the back of some good performances, it is pleasing. We have India and then Australia. Hopefully, the momentum will continue,” Latham said.

Also read: ENG vs NZ: Tom Latham Hails Rachin Ravindra’s Century In World Cup Opener, Says “Super Proud Of The Way He Has Come Out”