Taylor-Made Victory For Black Caps

The veteran’s unbeaten century helps New Zealand overhaul India’s imposing total; Shreyas’ ton goes in vain

An unbeaten century from veteran batsman Ross Taylor powered New Zealand to a stunning four-wicket win over India in the first One-Day International here on Wednesday.

The host completed the second highest run chase in its history to finish on 348 for six and overhaul the imposing target set by India.

It was a morale-boosting victory for the Black Caps, who went into the match as underdogs after a 5-0 whitewash in the recent Twenty20 series, when they repeatedly squandered winning opportunities.

Role reversal

The roles were reversed at Seddon Park, with India posting a mammoth total of 347 for four after losing the toss, including a maiden century to Shreyas Iyer and half-centuries for skipper Virat Kohli and K.L. Rahul.

But the tourists’ bowling attack failed to prevent a match-turning innings from Taylor, who scored a 73-ball century, his 21st in ODIs, and ended the match on 109 not out.