Ton for Watling as New Zealand lose Emerging Players finale

New Zealand were unable to secure a consolation win in today’s playoff for third and fourth in the Emerging Players tournament in Brisbane – going down to Australia by eight wickets.

The 40-over match at the University ground saw unbeaten centuries from openers on both sides.

BJ Watling anchored the New Zealand innings, scoring freely to compile 115 not out off 104 balls, including 11 fours. Support at the other end came from Peter Fulton, 25, and Anaru Kitchen who hit 45 from 37 balls including three sixes.

After their fourth-wicket partnership of 85 wickets, however, wickets fell regularly and NZEP finished on 244/8.

At six runs an over it was a respectable target, but the Australian side made light work of the chase. Opener Rob Quiney scored his unbeaten 115 from just 94 deliveries, and had solid support from Steve Smith, 44, and Matthew Wade with 60 – their partnership of 106 taking AIS to victory with seven overs and eight wickets to spare.

Short scorecard:
New Zealand Emerging Players 244/8 in 40 overs (Watling 115 n.o., Kitchen 45, Fulton 25; Floros 3/54)
Australian Institute of Sport 245/2 in 33 overs (Quiney 115 n.o., Wade 60, Smith 44)
Win to AIS by 8 wickets

FULL SCORECARD AVAILABLE AT:
http://www.blackcaps.co.nz/content/scorecard/nzep_v_ais_1aug.aspx

NZC Emerging Players website:
www.blackcaps.co.nz/content/international/emerging-players/default.aspx

Cricket Australia tournament website:
http://www.cricket.com.au/default.aspx?s=emergingplayers09