CWBCC Chairmen's XI vs New Zealanders
at Casston Reserve
Scorecard
Ball By Ball
The crowd at Casston were treated to an intriguing, ebb-and-flowing game, which was ultimately won by a good team effort after initial struggles. The New Zealanders looked comfortable after spending more than a day compiling 437; however, a new ball spell from Thomas on the second morning spelled the end.
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat, a good choice on a placid wicket. After Cumming dragged on Patrick, How and Taylor built a solid stand, and though blows from Thomas and Richards took them to 152 for five, the strong men of the line-up came to the rescue. Jesse Ryder and Jacob Oram compiled patient centuries, adding 198 for the sixth wicket as they bludgeoned an inaccurate Thomas, and New Zealand appeared in utter control, despite Patrick's polishing of the tail.
Arnold slogged out early, evidently desperate to catch up with the New Zealand total, but Rai and Bowen showed that runs could easily be made on this wicket. Helped by friendly umpires who wanted a contest, the pair stood together until after tea, and Rai completed his hundred with support from Sajith. To build on that, Lezama and Richards added a vital 91 for the seventh wicket, and Wright also held out with Richards before a huge slip cordon took care of the hosting tail. Still, the Chairmen's XI led by five.
Then the match swung about the fulcrum. Greg Thomas and Nath Patrick steamed in with the new ball, swung it both ways, and sliced down Cumming, How and Taylor easily; suddenly the tourists were 22 for three. Once again, the tourists fought back, but were unable to find the patience that had yielded 437 in the previous innings, and midway through the morning session on the fourth day they were all out for 289, with only Sinclair passing 40.
There was some time pressure in the chase, with just 86 overs left in the day; however, Arnold and Rai took the bull by the horns, playing out Martin with ease as they added 57. Arnold's 68 was vital, showing a maturity unrevealed in previous outings this season, while Red pairing Sajith and Dwyer secured the victory by adding an unbeaten 73 for the sixth wicket, frustrating Vettori out of his wits.
New Zealanders 437 all out (114.3)
JDP Oram 117, JD Ryder 110, JM How 65; NL Patrick 3/80
CWBCC Chairmen's XI 442 all out (129.1)
DK Rai 109, DP Richards 89*, RF Bowen 69, A Lezama 53; BC Hiini 3/79
New Zealanders 289 all out (80.3)
MS Sinclair 70; GM Thomas 4/85, KS Wright 2/55, NL Patrick 2/62
CWBCC Chairmen's XI 285 for five (62)
PR Sajith 83*, AR Arnold 68
CWBCC Chairmen's XI won by five wickets
Man of the Match: D. K. Rai (CWBCC Chairmen's XI)