Virat Kohli Points Out What Cost India The First ODI Against New Zealand

Virat Kohli-led India’s winning run on the tour of New Zealand came to a screeching halt on Wednesday as the hosts thrashed them by four wickets in the first ODI to take the lead in the three-match series. The odds were firmly stacked against the Black Caps but they overcame all the obstacles to register their first win of 2020.

New Zealand were low on confidence after being whitewashed in the five-match T20I series. They were also without their captain Kane Williamson for the game and their coach Gary Stead has also taken a break. What made things tough for them was the Virat Kohli-led side piling up a mammoth total of 347 for 4.

Also Read: Twitter Reacts As Ross Taylor, Tom Latham Stun India In A Big Chase

But in the end, all those setbacks made little difference as the Tom Latham-side came up with a brilliant batting performance to stun the visitors. Veteran Ross Taylor, who scored two fifties in the T20I series, continued his fine run with the bat and scored an unbeaten ton to lead the chase.

Tough day at the office but we hope to come back strong next ODI ???? #TeamIndia #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/CzOfPrVEBF

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 5, 2020

Taylor remained unbeaten on 109 off just 84 balls. His knock was studded with ten fours and four sixes. He was well supported by Henry Nicholls and Tom Latham. Both Nicholls and Latham scored fine fifties to keep their team on track for a memorable win. While Nicholls scored 78, Latham scored 69.

Reason behind loss:

Speaking after the game, India skipper Virat Kohli was all praise for New Zealand. He also pointed out that Latham’s knock of 69 from just 48 balls made the difference in the match. Latham added 138 runs with Taylor which really put the Black Caps on top in the game.

“An outstanding performance from New Zealand. We thought 347 was good enough, especially after the start we got with the ball. I think Tom’s innings took the game away from us,” said Virat Kohli.

“We were decent in the field, we dropped one chance. We need to improve though. I got to say that the opposition played better than us today. Both new openers gave us a good start, hope they continue to do the same. Shreyas’s hundred was outstanding and KL was really good as well,” he added.