Hosts New Zealand levelled the five-match ODI series against England after winning the fourth ODI at University Oval (Dunedin). New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor played an incredible knock of unbeaten 181 runs which helped the hosts to successfully chase the 336-runs target even after their disastrous innings beginning.
New Zealand, who was 1-2 behind in this series before this match, won the toss and decided to field first. The top order English batsmen provided a great start. While their opening partnership was for 77 runs, their second wicket partnership was for 190 runs.
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While the opener Jason Roy scored 42 runs, another opener Jonny Bairstow (138) and Joe Root smashed centuries (102). Around the last 13 overs, England continuously lost their wickets as only Adil Rashid (11) and Tom Curran (22*) were able to reach the double-digit score. England managed to put 335/9 at the end of 50 overs.
Among the Kiwi bowlers, Ish Sodhi (4/58) picked up four wickets while Trent Boult (2/56) and Colin Munro (2/53) took 2 wickets each. Also, the expensive bowler Tim Southee (1/87) claimed a wicket.
In reply, both the New Zealand openers failed to open their accounts as the hosts were struggling on 2/2. Then, skipper Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor put the 84-runs partnership for the third wicket which shaped their innings.
After Williamson was dismissed on 45 runs, Taylor put the massive 187-runs partnership along with Tom Latham for the fourth wicket. After Latham’s dismissal on 71 runs, Colin de Grandhomme played a small quick-fire knock of 23 runs off just 12 balls which set the match for them.
Ross Taylor took the responsibility to make comfortable finish as he remained unbeaten on 181 runs off 147 balls. Taylor completed his century in 98 balls and then he bashed the bowlers for securing the important victory. In his superb unforgettable 181* runs knock, Taylor hit total 17 fours and 6 sixes.
It is the fourth highest knock by any batsman in the second innings of an ODI match. The top three knocks on this list are 185* by Shane Watson (Australia), 183* by MS Dhoni (India) and 183 by Virat Kohli (India).
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Among the England bowlers, Tom Curran (2/57) took two wickets while Chris Woakes (1/42), Mark Wood (1/65) and Ben Stokes (1/45) picked up a wicket each.
Ross Taylor received the Player of the Match award as the series is levelled by 2-2. The last match will be the series decider which will be played on this Saturday at Hagley Oval (Christchurch).
Now look at some Twitter reactions to this match
An epic @RossLTaylor 181* in Dunedin has levelled the ODI series against England, taking it to a decider in Christchurch on Saturday!#NZvENG REPORT ➡️ https://t.co/sGXT3KCvJt pic.twitter.com/de2PfZ5HUi
— ICC (@ICC) March 7, 2018
He was always a good player but in the last 3 years, Ross Taylor has emerged as second to only Virat Kohli when it comes to ODI cricket.
Amazing performances. #NZvsENG #cricket— Aman Arora (@AmAroraWriting) March 7, 2018
Probably the one of the best inning of @RossLTaylor 's career. Good to navigate you on @cricbuzz
Well played dark horses.#NZvENG #NZvsEng— Kuldeep Parashari (@KuldeepParash13) March 7, 2018
Credit where credit is due! Ross Taylor you legend! What an incredible one day innings for the ages! 181* with half the knock played injured to steer us home chasing 336! #legend #RossTaylor #NZvsENG #odirecords
— Demian Seidel (@PokerDemian) March 7, 2018
May I just say that in my life I love two men and two men only, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor. #NZvsENG
— Lily Franklin (@LilyIsabelFW) March 7, 2018
One of the finest ODI innings ever today…#NZvENG #NZvsENG pic.twitter.com/Xz1cEWC25e
— CricBlog (@cric_blog) March 7, 2018
Absolutely brilliant knock I woke up to this morning from a battered and bruised Ross Taylor @RossLTaylor. Well done Black Caps. #NZvsENG
— Sir 诺言 Mbox (@djspitz) March 7, 2018
Well played Ross Taylor 😳
Got shocked after checking the scorecard. 181* 😦
What a legend 🙏#NZvsENG— Ritika@2580 (@Ritikaa_1997) March 7, 2018
Thrilling game of cricket – New Zealand chasing down 335 to level the series 2-2 ahead of Friday nights decider. Roy & Bairstow set the tone, and is was good to see Root finally convert a 50 into a 100, but as for the rest of the batting – very poor indeed. #NZvsENG
— Scott Taylor (@ScottTaylorUK) March 7, 2018
Wonderful knock from @RossLTaylor .. great innings after 2011 #WC against #Kenya i have seen.. @ICC #odi #englandcricket #NZvsENG #cricket pic.twitter.com/srk9vZAOrm
— PugaZH (@iampug155) March 7, 2018
Superb batting display from @RossLTaylor Take a bow 🙌🏻 You stitch the chase perfectly 😁#rosstheboss #NZvsENG
— Tejas Zaveri (@tejas2043) March 7, 2018
