Riding on senior batsman Ross Taylor’s 21st ODI century, New Zealand registered a comprehensive four-wicket win over India in the series opener at Hamilton on Wednesday (February 5).
Chasing the mammoth target of 348, Taylor smashed 109 not out off 84 balls (10 fours and 4 sixes) and he was ably supported by Henry Nicholls (78 off 82 balls) and Tom Latham (69 off 48 balls) as the hosts crossed the finishing line with 11 balls to spare.
See Also: Taylor relieved to finally take Kiwis past the finish line
Like always, Taylor pulled off his trademark ‘tongue out’ celebration upon reaching the hundred. And veteran India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh didn't leave a chance to make fun of his unique celebration.
"What a knock @RossLTaylor well done. Tell me why do u put the tongue out every time score 100. Good game of cricket," Harbhajan tweeted.
As per a report published on cricket.com.au in 2015, Taylor had said his 'tongue poking' celebration is a tribute to his daughter Mackenzie.
"Right back when I was at age group I got dropped a couple of times when I got hundreds," he had said.
"Then I poked my tongue out - (after) I got dropped - against Australia, my second ODI hundred. Ever since then my daughter has been pretty happy when I poke my tongue out and that's pretty much for her as well," the Kiwi batter added.
