Kiwis fall short in warm-up tie to President’s XI
Latham’s gritty half-century goes in vain
Mumbai: New Zealand lost their opening warm-up match against the Indian Board President’s XI by 30 runs in Mumbai on Tuesday, despite a gritty half-century from Tom Latham.
The visitors faltered in their 296-run chase and were bowled out for 265. Number-nine batsman Colin de Grandhomme hit a 22-ball 33 to give the President’s XI a scare but his wicket spelt the end for the Kiwis.
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, with his 47, and Latham, who top-scored with 59, made notable contributions but many of the batsmen wasted good starts. Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem and paceman Jaydev Unadkat took three wickets each.
Put in to bat earlier, the President’s XI rode on a 147-run opening stand between Prithvi Shaw, who made 66, and Lokesh Rahul, who scored 68, to post 295-9. Karun Nair smashed 78.
Kiwi quick Trent Boult returned impressive figures of 5-38 while left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner took two wickets in an otherwise ordinary show by the visiting bowlers.
The Black Caps have another 50-over practice game against the same side on Thursday. Their first ODI against India is on Sunday at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
