Latham special steers New Zealand to title

New Zealand won the tri-nation series with one match to spare after Tom Latham's century helped it defeat Ireland by 190 runs at Malahide on Sunday (May 21).

Put in to bat, New Zealand posted an imposing 344 for 6 with Latham, its captain, scoring 104. It then bowled out Ireland for just 154 in 39.3 overs with Matt Henry picking up three wickets.

Latham led from the front and made his third ODI century, getting able support from Luke Ronchi (35 from 31 balls) and Neil Broom (38 off 42 balls). The New Zealand captain was caught at third-man when 89 but the dismissal was negated after the third umpire spotted a no-ball by Craig Young.

After Latham eventually fell in the 36th over with New Zealand on 212 for 3, Ireland's hopes of keeping the opponent to a manageable score was crushed with the entry of Colin Munro.

He smashed 44 off 15 balls with three fours and four sixes and shared a prolific 57-run stand with Mitchell Santner. New Zealand scored a mammoth 72 in the last four overs.

William Porterfield, Latham's counterpart, top-scored for Ireland again with 48 from 50 balls. However, when he was dismissed with Ireland 75 for 4 in the 19th over, the chase ran out of steam. Niall O'Brien followed his skipper in the next over and wickets fell regularly, with all six New Zealand bowlers among the wickets.

Earlier, New Zealand made a few changes with Corey Anderson and Adam Milne returning from the IPL. Anderson made 20 while Milne finished with figures of 1 for 29.

Ireland dropped the experienced Kevin O’Brien and Tim Murtagh for Young and Simi Singh.

New Zealand will now face Bangladesh in the final match on Wednesday (May 24), after which Latham will officially receive the trophy.