IND vs NZ: India Needs To Take Tom Latham's Wicket If They Want To Win- Wasim Jaffer

Before the second ODI in Hamilton on Sunday, former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer warned Shikhar Dhawan and company about New Zealand batter Tom Latham. To gain an advantage in the do-or-die game, he believes the Men in Blue must dismiss him early. 

For those who are unaware, Latham struck an unbeaten 145 from 104 balls in the first ODI match against India. This total featured 19 boundaries and five sixes. Throughout his error-free inning, the southpaw didn’t offer the visitors a chance to catch, drop, or run out.

India Bowlers Must Be Consistent Against Tom Latham: Wasim Jaffer

In addition, Tom Latham and Kane Williamson contributed an unbroken 221-run partnership for the fourth wicket as they led the Blackcaps to a seven-wicket victory and the hosts to a 1-0 series lead. 

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Jaffer said: 

“India bowlers must be consistent on their line and lengths and hope that a player of Latham’s caliber gets out early. He is crucial in their batting lineup, and India needs to take his wicket if they want to win.” 

The left-hander relishes facing India. His 846 runs in 17 innings, at an average of 98.95, have already included two centuries and five fifty-sixes. He has scored 558 runs at an average of 55.80 in 13 games in 2022. 

India Can Break New Zealand’s Winning Run: Wasim Jaffer

Jaffer believes that Team India, captained by Shikhar Dhawan, has a chance to end New Zealand’s unbeaten run in one-day internationals. 

Since February 2019, New Zealand has won 13 straight ODIs at home, including series victories over Australia, the West Indies, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh. 

In their seven meetings at Hamilton’s Seddon Park, the Blackcaps have only lost one game to India, which is noteworthy. The last time they lost there was in 2017 to South Africa. India’s lone victory at the venue occurred in 2009.

Speaking on the same show, Jaffer said: 

“India can break their winning run. This team defeated South Africa, and I am sure India will make a comeback in the second ODI.” 

This year, the Men in Blue have won five straight ODI series, including victories against England, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the West Indies (both home and away series). 

To continue playing in the series, they must defeat New Zealand in the second ODI. In their previous ODI series against the Blackcaps in 2019, they had fallen to them 3-0. 

Also Read: IND vs NZ: “It’s Not the Shreyas Iyer I Want to See” – Simon Doull Wants Iyer To Tackle Short Ball