NZEP unable to contain Australian batting

The New Zealand Emerging Players again came up short against the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in their 50-over match at Brisbane today, losing by three wickets.

NZEP captain Peter Fulton once again led from the front with an innings of 60 as the side battled a dominating AIS bowling performance, dismissed on the second-last ball of the innings for 217.

Fulton was supported by Reece Young, 41, while George Worker and drafted-in BLACKCAPS opener Martin Guptill both scored 23. For AIS, Alister McDermott took 3 for 49.

AIS started the chase strongly, with Matthew Wade and Tom Cooper putting on 94 for the first wicket. They maintained a consistent run rate, reaching the target in the 40th over with the loss of seven wickets. Cooper, 60, and Steve Smith, 54, top scored for the Australians.

Legbreak bowler Tarun Nethula was the pick of the NZEP attack, taking 3 for 44, with Tim Southee picking up 2 for 47.

New Zealand Emerging Players play India Emerging Players tomorrow [Monday 27 July] in a Twenty20 match at Sandgate.

Short scorecard:
New Zealand Emerging Players: 217 in 49.5 overs (Fulton 60, Young 41, Guptill 23, Worker 23; McDermott 3/49)
Australian Institute of Sport: 221/7 in 39.3 overs (Cooper 60, Smith 54, Wade 37, Holland 25; Nethula 3/44)

FULL SCORECARD available at:
http://www.blackcaps.co.nz/content/scorecard/nzep_v_ais_26jul09.aspx