New Zealand takes final game out

New Zealand has taken out the three match series against the FICA World XI by winning the final game by four wickets at WestpacTrust Park in Hamilton.

In what was yet another sub-standard Hamilton pitch the World XI batted first and were dismissed in the 21st over for a poultry 81 all out.

The first wicket to fall was Matthew Elliot for 10 when the score was 37 and what followed was just unbelievable in that the final nine wickets fell for just 44 runs.

Chris Cairns picked up the best bowling figures of the innings taking 6 for 12 from 5.5 overs while Jeff Wilson continued his good run of form taking 3 for 6 from 4 overs. Only three World XI players could pas double figures with Nick Knight top scoring with 43.

New Zealand started off in an attacking mood and took to the bowling of Andy Bichel and Heath Streak early before Fleming went after another wide delivery from Bichel and edged it behind to Sangakkara.

Sinclair was the next to follow with the score at 44 but even with his dismissal New Zealand were cruising to victory.

The World XI fought back well however with Ian Harvey and Greg Blewett taking four wickets for 10 runs between them and at 65/6 the FICA World XI stood a chance of victory.

It was not to be though with Hamish Marshall and Brendon McCullum seeing New Zealand through to victory to win the 16th over and clinch a 2-1 series victory.

Due to the game finishing early and the prospect of earning more money for the Tsumani fund the teams decided on a 10/10 over game. The match was tied with New Zealand batting first and scoring 178/3 while in reply the World XI were 178/7.

Limited Overs Match Summary

FICA XI 81 (N Knight 43, S Jayasuriya 13, M Elliott 10, C Cairns 6/12, J Wilson 3/6, K Mills 1/25)

New Zealand 83/6 (N Astle 23, S Fleming 16, S Styris 16, H Marshall 16*, I Harvey 4/17, G Blewett 1/7)

New Zealand won by 4 wickets

10/10 Over Match Summary

New Zealand 178/3 (C McMillan 63*, S Styris 44, K Mills 38, G Blewett 1/16, G Hick 1/12, J Rhodes 1/20)

FICA World XI 178/7 (A Bichel 47, H Streak 32, G Hick 25, I Harvey 25, M Elliott 20, D Tuffey 1/15, K Mills 1/20, S Styris 1/8, C McMillan 1/23, H Marshall 1/16)

Match Tied

Posted by James