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TVS Cup: Australia vs NZ

Tuesday, November 4 2003

Australia has narrowly avoided defeat against a spirited New Zealand side in the latest fixture of the TVS Cup in Poona (Pune).

Ricky Ponting won the toss on a pitch that assisted the seamers early and elected to field.

For the Australians, all-rounder Ian Harvey replaced spinner Brad Hogg, while Chris Cairns returned for New Zealand.

The New Zealand innings began with a flurry for the Black Caps - of wickets.

Brad Williams, fresh from 4 wickets in the last meeting between the two sides, captured Chris Nevin (0), Lou Vincent (1), Scott Styris and Craig McMillan (both 0) in a devastating 3 over bout the leave the batting side at 4/21.

For the first time in the series, improving left-armer Nathan Bracken failed to capture a wicket in his opening spell.

Experienced campaigners Stephen Fleming and Chris Cairns then set about a rescue mission, before Cairns fell LBW to Andy Bichel for 27 - 5/68.

Jacob Oram then joined Fleming at the wicket and began in circumspect style, playing few shots and pushing at a number of deliveries from the nagging seam pair of Bichel and Harvey.

However, once Fleming looked like pushing the run-rate, mercurial Andy Symonds snared the captain following a stubborn 40 from 96 balls, leaving the Kiwis in a precarious position at 6/130.

Chris Harris lasted only a short time in making one before becoming Williams' fifth wicket of the innings - caught in the deep by Harvey.

The wicket signalled the improving Williams' best return in ODI cricket overtaking his 4/22 from when the sides last met.

From then, Brendan McCullum and Oram began to punish the bowlers, with the tall all-rounder Oram clubbing his way to 81 from 87 deliveries.

His luck soon ran out, however, when he was bowled by Symonds, exposing Daniel Vettori at the wicket.

To his credit, Vettori copped admirably with the daunting late-over situation, making an impressive 18 before being clean bowled by a Harvey yorker.

Number 11 Daryl Tuffey made 1* and McCullum 51 from just 47 balls to ensure the Black Caps reached a respectable 258 from their 50 overs.

Williams finished with 5/53 to be the clear standout of the bowlers. Andy Symonds, reverting back to his medium pacers, took 2/56 and Ian Harvey 1/33.

Andy Bichel, meanwhile, finished with 1/59 from 9 overs and continued his worrying run of form.

Adam Gilchrist began the Australian reply in typically brisk fashion, clubbing 25 from 31 deliveries before falling to spearhead Daryl Tuffey.

Matthew Hayden then followed his vice-captain to the pavilion when also dismissed by Tuffey for 9 - a far cry from his world record Test score.

Tuffey then picked up his third wicket in bowling Damien Martyn for 10 following his hundred in Mumbai.

Ricky Ponting's indifferent career on India wickets then continued when he was bowled by the military medium pace of Scott Styris after making a promising 16.

Young gun Michael Clarke and experienced campaigner Michael Bevan then set about ensuring Australia would challenge to reach the ever-elusive New Zealand target.

Clarke in particular was impressive in taking a liking to spinner Daniel Vettori, using his feet to excellent effect.

However, after making an invaluable 70, Clarke succame to his own inexperience when he played on to his stumps attempting a curious stroke outside the off stump.

His innings showed why much Australian faith had been vested in him. He must continue to show the initiative to develop his game.

Once the Australians saw off the dangerous Tuffey, victory became more likely as Bevan and Andrew Symonds forged a partnership.

Symonds was lucky to survive, being dropped early by the usually safe-handed Lou Vincent.

The wicket of Michael Bevan, however, ensured the match would finish as a thrilling contest when he was dismissed off the bowling of Cairns for 50.

Ian Harvey threatened to make a hero of himself with the blade, making an even-paced 19 from 19 balls before being caught by Styris off the bowling of Vettori.

Andy Bichel then made a quick-fire 9 before being well caught by McCullum off Vettori - 15 to win, 9 deliveries remaining.

Brad Williams to the crease - first ball - single. 14 to win, 8 balls.

Symonds on strike - four runs, straight down the ground. Next delivery - 6 runs, over mid off. 4 to win from the final over.

Oram to Williams - dot ball. 4 to win, 5 balls.

Oram to Williams - one easy run. 3 to win, 4 balls.

Oram to Symonds - single to fine leg. 2 runs to win, 3 balls.

Second last delivery - Williams gets a thick outside edge to McCullum who drops the catch. Moving to his right, it most certainly should have been taken by a keeper.

A tie was now the only result for New Zealand with 2 balls left.

Enter Symonds, who clubs Oram - straight to mid-wicket. Dropped.

Symonds finished the innings unbeaten on 37, while Williams edged his way to 3.

Australia escape with victory as New Zealand drop 2 catches in the final 2 balls.

Scores

New Zealand 258/9 (J Oram 81, B McCullum 51*, S Fleming 40; B Williams 5/53)

Australia 259/8 (M Clarke 70, M Bevan 50; D Tuffey 4/30)

Australia won by 2 wickets.

Cricket Web Player-of-the-Match: Brad Williams.

Points: Australia 5, New Zealand 1.

Posted by Andre