Taylor pilots NZ’s record win

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 in Hamilton on Wednesday.

The hosts completed the second highest run chase in their history to finish on 348 for four 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.

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 KL 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.

He was supported by a quick-fire 69 from captain Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls’ hard-fought 78, although three late wickets gave India hope of rescuing the match.

“It’s been a long time between drinks,” said Latham, whose side suffered a 3-0 Test series defeat in Australia before the T20 drubbing on home soil.

“It’s nice to get over the line and we managed to keep our composure at the end and get there.”

Kohli was gracious in defeat, saying India produced a “decent” performance that was not quite good enough on the day.

SCORES IN BRIEF

INDIA: 347 for 4 in 50 overs (Agarwal 32, Kohli 51, Iyer 103, Rahul 88 not out; Southee 2-85)

NEW ZEALAND: 348 for 6 in 48.1 overs (Guptill 32, Nicholls 78, Taylor 109 not out, Latham 69; Yadav 2-84)

Result: New Zealand won by four wickets.

Player-of-the-match: Ross Taylor.