Mohali ODI: Latham, Neesham push Kiwis to competitive 285 against India

Mohali (Chandigarh) [India],Oct.23 (ANI): Opener Tom Latham and James Neesham struck blistering half-centuries as New Zealand posted a competitive 286-run target for India in the third ODI of the five-match series at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium here on Sunday. After being asked to bat first, New Zealand made a bright start against the hosts, with openers Latham (61) and Martin Guptill (27) giving their side a 46-run initial thrust. The visitors, however, then struggled against India's bowling attack as they lost six wickets for 46 runs in the gap of 9.2 overs. After being reduced to 199-8, Neesham (67) and Matt Henry (unbeaten 39) then rejuvenated their side's innings by adding a 84-run stand for the ninth wicket at 7.52 runs per over. Ross Taylor (44) was another notable contributor for the visitors. For India, Kedar Jadhav was the pick of the bowlers as he finished with the figures of three for 29 while Umesh Yadav also took three wickets. Yadav was, however, expensive in his ten-over spell as he gave away 75 runs. Jasprit Bumrah and Amit Mishra also chipped in with two wickets each. The five-match series is currently levelled at 1-1 and India have to win the series by 4-1 or better to claim the third position in the ICC ODI team rankings. (ANI)