India vs New Zealand: Tim Southee becomes first Kiwi player to score half-century at number 10

New Delhi: Lower-order batsman Tim Southee on Sunday became the first New Zealand player to score an ODI fifty at number 10 during the first of the five-match series at Dharamshala.

The 27-year-old reached the mini-milestone off 40 balls as he, along with Tom Latham, fought back to help New Zealand post a fighting total of 190 against an inspired Indian bowling attack.

At one stage, it looked like the Kiwis won't even last half the overs, but thanks a to productive ninth-wicket stand between Latham and Southee, the visitors managed to post a tricky total. Their partnership yielded 71 runs in 9.4 overs.

Amit Mishra removed Dough Bracewell to reduce the Kiwi innings to 108/6 in 31.5 overs, which brought Tim Southee in the centre. But the number 10 batsman amused every cricket fan in the world with brilliant strokeplay.

Southee scored 55 runs from 45 balls, smashing 6 fours and 3 sixes to dismantle Indian bowling attack during his stay at the crease.

What a performance by Tim Southee on his 100th ODI. A maiden fifty, the 1st man to score a half century for @BLACKCAPS batting at no. 10! pic.twitter.com/oMfCePZMQh — ICC (@ICC) October 16, 2016

In the end, New Zealand were all out for 190 runs inside 50 overs, just being able to play 43.5 overs. Tom Latham was the top scorer for visitors, scored 79 runs.