Kane Williamson praises trio to clinch Hamilton opener against England

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson hails a crucial partnership between Ross Taylor and Tom Latham on Sunday against Eoin Morgan-led England.

In the close encounter of the first match of the five-match One-day International series in Hamilton, hosts New Zealand hold the nerve to register a three-wicket win over England.

The 178-run partnership between Taylor and Latham has changed the scenario of the game when the Black Caps were reeling at 27 for three in 9.3 overs.

“England had a competitive total and it required some skilful batting to get over the line – and we certainly saw that with the partnership between Tom Latham and Ross Taylor,” Williamson said in a post-match presser.

While praising the efforts of the middle-order Williamson further reiterated the Three Lions have given a tough time to the Kiwis.

“It was a very good game of cricket – a very even game of cricket. Credit to England – it was a very tough game that ebbed and flowed. It’s nice to get over the line,” Williamson asserted.

With New Zealand leading the series 1-0 following the spectacular show from left-handed batsman Mitchell Santner, who smashed 27-ball 45. His innings comprised of four sixes and two boundaries.

The competition was riveting one when which saw the right-handed Taylor smashing 116-ball 113. He smashed 12 boundaries in his crucial knock while registering his 18th hundred.

“Guys have roles and it was great today to see Ross, who has been in great form this season, do that again; for Tom Latham to play the way he did; and for Mitchell Santner – we know he can hit a big ball – to do that at the end,” Williamson maintained.

On the other side, Latham scored 79 off 94 balls. He smashed six boundaries.

Playing the pivotal role for the national fold; Taylor and Latham did the bulk of recovery with Williamson being pleased with the players.

Earlier, England batted first to get restricted at 284 for eight following the brilliant death bowling by Trent Boult and Tim Southee. In last ten overs, both new-ball partners gave away 65 runs.

Both were banking on the strong batting line-up. It would be interesting to see how things would shape up in the remainder of the series.

Having the imperious record at home, the Black Caps won previous nine fixtures on the home soil.

The second ODI will be played on February 28 at Bay Oval. And Kane Williamson wants to continue with home domination.

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