NZ vs Ban, 2nd ODI: Latham's ton helps NZ register 5-wicket win; take unassailable 2-0 lead

New Zealand skipper Tom Latham led from the front and scored a superb century to guide his side to a five-wicket win over Bangladesh in the second ODI in Christchurch on Tuesday. The victory helped the hosts take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Latham smashed unbeaten 110 runs to help the Black Caps chase down the target of 272 runs. Devon Conway also contributed to New Zealand’s victory with his knock of 72 runs.

With his match winning 110* @Tomlatham2 was the @ANZ_NZ Player of the Match at Hagley Oval. Latham gave his $500 club donation from ANZ for POTM to his lifelong club @BurnsideCricket in Christchurch. #NZvBAN pic.twitter.com/Hi4jrzAhmz — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 23, 2021

New Zealand got a steady start during their chase as opener Henry Nicholls and Martin Guptill scored regular boundaries. Mustafizur Rahman provided Bangladesh with the first breakthrough when he caught and bowled Guptill (20). Soon after that, Mahedi Hasan sent Nicholls (13) back to the pavilion.

The fall of wickets did not stop as Hasan then removed Will Young (1). Devon Conway and Tom Latham then took over and revived New Zealand's innings. Both took their side past the 150-run mark, with Conway completing his half-century.

New Zealand's chase was hampered after Conway (72) got run out in the 34th over. James Neesham then joined Latham, who also went on to score his fifty. After the completion of 38 overs, New Zealand's score read 200/4, with the hosts still needing 72 runs to win from the remaining 12 overs.

Neesham and Latham's 73-run partnership came to an end after Rahman dismissed the former. However, it proved to be a bit late for Bangladesh to make a comeback in the game as Latham, who completed his century, took his team over the line in the 49th over.

After being asked to bat first, Bangladesh got off to a poor start with Liton Das being dismissed for a duck by Matt Henry in just the second over of the innings. Opener Tamim Iqbal was then joined by Soumya Sarkar on the field.

Both provided their side with a good start after an early blow and took the team over the 50-run mark in the 15th over. Mitchell Santner broke the partnership in the 21st over, removing Sarkar (32). Mushfiqur Rahim then came out in the middle but Bangladesh suffered a major blow after Iqbal (78) got run out, bringing Mohammad Mithun to the field.

Santner then picked his second wicket of the day when he dismissed Rahim (34). While Bangladesh kept losing wickets, Mithun continued to play brilliantly and helped his side post a respectable total of 271 with the help of his unbeaten 73-run knock.

Brief Scores: Bangladesh 271/6 (Tamim Iqbal 78, Mohammad Mithun 73*; Mitchell Santner 2/51); New Zealand 275/5 (Tom Latham 110*, Devon Conway 72; Mahedi Hasan 2/42).

(With ANI inputs)