Young, Latham Fifties Take New Zealand to 268 in First Innings of the 5th ODI

New Zealand have posted a competitive total of 268 against West Indies in the 5th ODI at Bridgetown. Will Young and Tom Latham remained their key performers, as both batters scored brilliant half-centuries to take the team towards a fighting total.

After being asked to bat first, New Zealand got off to a rocky start in the first five overs. They lost Henry Nicholls early in the Powerplay, after which Will Young and Nick Kelly steadied the innings with a strong partnership.

Will Young launched a brilliant counterattack to put the pressure back, as he knew the home team was already under pressure due to losing the ODI series. He scored 56 off 63 balls before Lawes removed him in the 20th over with a stunning ripper.

After Young’s dismissal, Nick Kelly and Tom Latham forged a solid partnership to take the scoreboard forward. Kelly scored 64 off 80 balls, while Tom Latham showcased his class with a fluent 69 runs.

The lower middle order of the Black Caps didn’t provide much contribution, as Latham was the only one who kept striking till the end. Due to his valiant knock, New Zealand eventually scored 268 at the end of the first innings.

West Indies will now need to chase this total to win the 5th ODI in Bridgetown. With New Zealand posting a competitive score, the home side will need a strong batting performance in the second innings to chase down the target on a tricky wicket.