NZ A scores emphatic win to close India tour

New Zealand A has closed its India campaign with an emphatic 146-run victory over a local side strong on international talent.

The 50-over match against India Cements in Chennai yesterday [Tuesday] saw New Zealand A score a commanding 347 for 8, then bundle the opposition out for 201.

The match also provided valuable practice for several of the New Zealanders who will be transferring to Colombo today [Wednesday] to join the BLACKCAPS for the limited overs series against Sri Lanka.

The NZA innings was dominated by a 141-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Gareth Hopkins and Peter Fulton. Skipper Fulton made 89 from 79 balls, while Hopkins went on to top score with 94 from 77.

Other strong contributions came from opener Jamie How, 49, Brendon Diamanti, 22, and Aaron Redmond, batting down the order for a rapid 36 not out from 22 deliveries.

The New Zealanders quickly went on attack with the ball, with Shane Bond and Tim Southee taking early wickets to have India Cements at 66 for three. Prasanna and Badani put on 86 for the fourth wicket, but after Prasanna’s departure wickets fell steadily, and the side was all out for 201 in the 43rd over.

Diamanti was the most successful bowler, claiming three for 50 from his 10 overs. Bond, Southee and Kane Williamson took two wickets each.

This was an unofficial match organised after the New Zealanders were eliminated from the Buchi Babu All India Invitation tournament at the weekend.

The India Cements XI included several current or former India international players including seamers Lakshmipathy Balaji and Sudeep Tyagi, along with Hemang Badani and Subramaniam Badrinath.

Short scorecard:
New Zealand A – 347/8 in 50 overs (Hopkins 94, Fulton 89, How 49, Redmond 36; Amarnath 4/56, Balaji 2/42)
India Cements – 201 all out in 42.1 overs (Prasanna 57, Badani 57, Badrinath 21; Diamanti 3/50, Bond 2/18, Southee 2/37, Williamson 2/11)

Win to New Zealand A by 146 runs.

Full scorecard at:
www.blackcaps.co.nz/content/scorecard/nza-v-india-cements-26aug09.aspx