Latham, bowlers help Kiwis beat B'desh by 77 runs in Christchurch ODI

Christchurch [New Zealand], Dec.26 (ANI): Tom Latham scored a quick-fire century before bowlers came to fore as New Zealand registered a 77-run win over Bangladesh in their opening ODI of the three-match series at the Hagley Oval here on Monday. Opting to bat first, Latham smashed seven boundaries and four sixes in his blistering 137-run knock off 121 balls besides sharing a solid 158-run partnership with Colin Munro (87) for the fifth wicket to guide his side to a respectable total of 341-7. Skipper Kane Williamson and Neil Broom contributed 31 and 22, respectively in their side's innings. In reply, Bangladesh slumped to 81 for four after 18 overs before all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who scalped three for 69 in New Zealand's innings, struck an aggressive 59 and Mosaddek Hossain notched up his first ODI half-century with 50 not out. Wicketkeeper-batsman then Mushfiqur Rahim added significant 42 runs before he was retired hurt with a hamstring injury. However, Neesham took 3-36 as New Zealand held Bangladesh to 264-9 to maintain its unbeaten record in ODIs against them Down Under. Lockie Ferguson also scalped three wickets while Tim Southee added two wickets to his account. Mitchell Santner chipped in with a wicket. The Williamson-led side , who have now taken 1-0 lead in the three-match series, will now lock horns with Bangladesh at Saxton Oval in nelson on December 29. (ANI)