"That's the hard thing, especially when you're in," Latham said afterwards. "They're tempting [those balls outside off stump]. It's a mental barrier to overcome."
His judgment is a reason for the New Zealand team and selectors Mike Hesson and former opener Bruce Edgar to rejoice.
Here is a man with the discipline to stick to his game plan of a resolute defence, working deliveries off his legs for ones and two, sweeping judiciously and auditing his shots through cover. Between cover and the bowler he scored just 12 runs, including a six off spinner Zulfiqar Babar in the 61st over to take him into the 90s.
There are shades of New Zealand's last stayer in the position, Mark Richardson, in this approach. The trouble with the Richardson scenario was that he was discovered late, first featuring at 29. Latham debuted at 21.
Speculating on player futures is fun, but the thought is probably far from Latham's present state of mind. He's focused on establishing himself.
With an average of 52.45 heading into the second innings he could be forgiven for thinking his position might be sound. However, Latham does not strike as one to reflect on the past.
He seems an earnest, action-not-words type, although the latter could come with experience. At 20, he became the youngest player to captain Canterbury in a first-class match in 2012 so clearly coaches and selectors see leadership. The word in NZ cricket circles is he's a future test captain.
His natural skills are not taken for granted. If trainings on this tour are a gauge, he's diligent too. An "extra for experts" practice with McMillan sticks in the mind.
Having been a wicketkeeper much of his playing life, Latham is working to become a specialist short leg fieldsman. McMillan fed him sharp chances while he crouched for what seemed an interminable period.
The practice dissolved around him as he snaffled balls.
That's the perseverance he's renowned for since coming through Christchurch Boys High School and eventually being picked for New Zealand by John Wright in 2012 to play the one-dayers against Zimbabwe.
He was described by then-Canterbury and now New Zealand A coach Bob Carter as worthy of fast-tracking: "He is diligent in his approach; a stickler for routine."
Canterbury stalwart Peter Fulton said: "He's quiet, respectful and willing to learn. He goes about his business in an understated way."
Latham even exercised the "Chris Pringle clause" during the English tour of 2013, by playing in England so he was handy if injury struck in the test and limited overs series, as Pringle famously did in 1990.
The next question for the selectors will be how much can such a team man add to the 15-man World Cup squad due to be finalised on January 8.
Latham looks set to get an opportunity against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. With Jesse Ryder out of the equation as a No 5, Brendon McCullum might now opt to go down the order.
The key for Latham will be boosting his strike rate from 74 in the five ODIs in which he has opened. By comparison, Martin Guptill's rate is 81.
Still, Latham is not averse to upping the ante when required. His 86 off 68 balls to get New Zealand home against Sri Lanka a year ago has not been forgotten.
Andrew Alderson travelled to the UAE courtesy of Emirates
