New Zealand overcome slow start to dominate the Dutch

New Zealand have survived an early scare to defeat the Netherlands by 118 runs at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Tom Latham
Photo: Photosport Ltd 2022

New Zealand scored 264 for 9 batting first, led by an unbeaten 140 from captain Tom Latham.

In reply the Netherlands were bowled out for 146 in the 35th over, with Michael Bracewell taking three wickets.

Things started terribly for the hosts, who found themselves in trouble at 32 for 5 from the first ten overs after being sent in to bat.

Wellington based seamer Logan van Beek was the pick of the Dutch bowlers, taking three early wickets and finishing with four for the innings.

Skipper Tom Latham came in at number five, and steered his side out of danger with a composed innings to ensure New Zealand would reach a respectable total.

Doug Bracewell made an important 41 batting at number eight, featuring in a sixth wicket partnership of 90 with Latham that took the momentum away from the visitors.

Lathams sixth ODI century was rounded off with 16 runs from the final three balls, getting New Zealand to a toal that seemed a long way off after the early carnage.

Early wickets in the first two overs rocked the Netherlands, but a solid third wicket partnership between Singh and de Leede ensured a glimpse of a contest for the Hamilton crowd.

Vikramjit Singh departed for 31 in the 16th over, holing out in the deep from Colin de Grandhomme to take the score to 81-3.

Wickets fell at regular occasions from there, with the Dutch unable to form any meaningful partnerships, eventually bowled out for 146.

After missing out with the bat, debutant Michael Bracewell made the most of his chance with the ball, taking three wickets with his crafty off spin.

New Zealand claim a series win with the victory, the third and final match will again be played in Hamilton on Monday.

The match will be a special occasion, with outgoing legend Ross Taylor set to appear for New Zealand for the final time.