New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham has been a key player for his team in recent years, delivering consistent performances. However, in the ongoing tri-series in Pakistan, he found himself in an unwanted record list after registering his third consecutive duck in ODI cricket.
Latham’s Unfortunate Streak
During the second ODI against South Africa, the Proteas set a challenging target of 305, with debutant Matthew Breetzke scoring a brilliant 150. New Zealand started well and reached 237 before losing their second wicket. Soon after, Tom Latham walked in, only to be dismissed for a golden duck on his very first delivery.
Senuran Muthusamy trapped Latham in front, but the on-field umpire initially gave him not out. South Africa reviewed the decision, and replays confirmed the ball hitting the off stump, leading to the overturned call. This was South Africa’s second consecutive wicket, following Daryl Mitchell’s dismissal.
Despite Latham’s failure, New Zealand comfortably chased the target, thanks to Kane Williamson’s unbeaten 133* and Devon Conway’s 97, sealing the victory with six wickets in hand and eight balls to spare.
Latham Joins an Embarrassing List
Latham’s recent struggles have placed him in an undesirable record list. He now has three consecutive ducks in ODIs, joining legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Suryakumar Yadav. Another duck would make him the joint record-holder for most successive ducks in ODI cricket, a list led by Gus Logie, Pramodya Wickramasinghe, Henry Olonga, Craig White, and Lasith Malinga, who each had four.
Meanwhile, New Zealand remains unbeaten in the tri-series, having won both their group-stage matches against Pakistan and South Africa. They have secured a spot in the final on February 14, with their opponent yet to be determined.
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