Share

Black Caps down brave Scotland

Dunedin - New Zealand limped to a three-wicket win over Scotland on Tuesday, maintaining Cricket World Cup momentum only after the minnows gave the co-hosts' much-vaunted batting line-up a bloody nose.

New Zealand skittled Scotland out for 142 after putting them into bat, effectively ensuring there would be no repeat of Monday's match when Ireland, another non-Test nation, downed the West Indies.

While the Black Caps overhauled their target in 24.5 overs, they could have been in trouble if set a stiffer chase after a strong effort with the ball saw Scotland take seven wickets.

A rash of New Zealand batsmen threw away their wickets chasing glory with wild shots, showing none of the controlled aggression that has made them one of the tournament favourites.

The Black Caps fielded an unchanged line-up from their 98-run win over Sri Lanka, determined not to drop their standards against unfancied opposition.

They appeared set for a crushing win in perfect conditions at Dunedin's University Oval, claiming early wickets to leave Scotland reeling at 12 for four.

Matt Machan (56) and Richie Berrington (50) were the standouts with a 97-run partnership in a Scottish innings that featured five ducks - four of them golden.

Corey Anderson and Dan Vettori took three wickets apiece as Scotland folded after 36.2 overs, with Trent Boult and Tim Southee coming close to snatching hat-tricks.

New Zealand made hard work of chasing 143 on pitch were they scored 360 against Sri Lanka last month, with Iain Wardlaw and Josh Davey both taking three wickets for Scotland.

Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum (15), Martin Guptill (17) and Ross Taylor (9) all went cheaply, leaving New Zealand 66 for three early in the innings.

Kane Williamson made a good start and reached 38 before he too suffered a rush of blood to the head.

Luke Ronchi, who scored an unbeaten 170 against Sri Lanka at the venue last month, managed just 12 before he was dismissed trying to cart Davey out of the ground.

Boult conceded the batting display was less than convincing from a New Zealand side expected to challenge at the sharp end of the tournament.

"It was a pretty good bowling performance and I suppose everyone got a little bit of a bat as well but we got the job done," he said.

New Zealand will face England in Wellington on Friday, while Scotland will face the same opponent in Christchurch on Monday.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE