NZ vs ENG, 4th ODI, Review: Ross Taylor special helps New Zealand level the series

The University Oval in Dunedin was treated with an absolutely special knock rather one of the greatest by Ross Taylor as he single-handedly won the game for New Zealand. The Kiwis gunned down the target of 336 in a must-win encounter against England and have taken the series into the decider. However, it wasn’t before Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow who absolutely plundered the bowling and smashed their respective tons well only go into the vain.

Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first as their most experienced player returning for the crucial game. England continued to field the same XI which won them the third match dramatically as the under-pressure duo of Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy strode out to bat in the middle. The small dimensions of the ground helped the latter regain his form and confidence as they scored 77 runs in the powerplay.

Bairstow and Root pummell NZ

The introduction of the leggie Ish Sodhi reaped rewards soon as he scalped the threatening Roy on 42. But his wicket only brought Joe Root to the middle and what followed was an absolute carnage. Both literally hunted the leather and were in no mood to respite the opposition. They added 190 runs for the second wicket as Bairstow completed a well-deserved century and went on to score 138 off 136 before being dismissed in the 38th over. He whacked 14 fours and seven gigantic maximums during his stay.

Meanwhile, Root was calmly going about his business and supporting his partner but couldn’t stop the collapse which followed later. They stunningly lost wickets in the heap and were staring at 288/7 from being comfortably placed at 267/1. It was Sodhi’s tempting bowling which snared the wickets for the home side and most importantly stalled the run-flow. However, amidst all the happenings, Root completed his century, the three-figure mark, which eluded him for so long.

But he was soon sent packing by Tim Southee and England were under pressure of getting bowled out under 50 overs. But the late flourish was provided by Tom Curran as the last pair added 22 runs in the last couple of overs. England eventually went on post 335 runs for the loss of 9 wickets after 50 overs. Sodhi was the chief tormentor as he returned with the figures of 4/58.

Taylor special awaits England

New Zealand got off to a terrible start in the response as their openers Colin Munro and Martin Guptill bagged a duck with their team reeling on 2/2 in the third over. Their best pair was in the middle so early as Williamson and Taylor added 84 runs for the third wicket before the former was sent back by Ben Stokes which pegged them further back in the chase.

But Taylor was not done with his business as he took Tom Latham by his side and attacked the England bowlers. Both of them resurrected the innings first and then seemed at utter ease on a flat pitch. Taylor was in no mood to give away his wicket at all and smashed a herculean ton but the job was only half done until then. He didn’t give up and continued to play his shots as Latham played a perfect second fiddle to him. But the 187-run stand was broken by Tom Curran as Latham was holed out after scoring 71.

However, it was Taylor who did all the running and hitting after that for the Kiwis and played one of the best ODI innings ever. He was struggling to even run and almost went down after every couple of overs. But he never gave up and even after the fall of Colin de Grandhomme‘s wicket, he took Henry Nicholls by his side and won the game for his team. The match tantalisingly went to the last over as England tried their best to stem the run flow but they had only three to defend in the final over.

The Kiwis chased down the total of 336 with three balls to spare as Ross Taylor remained unbeaten on 181, which is the highest individual score for New Zealand in the chase. He smashed 17 fours and six maximums during his stay and deserved all the accolades which came his way during his heroic knock. The visitors were left wondering about their collapse with the bat as they could have well posted 380 if the others would’ve chipped in a little bit.

Nevertheless, the victory for the hosts has taken the series into the decider now and Christchurch will host the game which will be yet another cracker. Moreover, New Zealand have continued their winning run at the venue and will be the happier side going into the final ODI.

Brief Scores

England 335/9 after 50 overs (J Bairstow 138, J Root 102; I Sodhi 4/58)

New Zealand 337/5 after 49.3 overs (R Taylor 181*, T Latham 71; T Curran 2/51)

Result: New Zealand won by 5 wickets