New Zealand A win again

New Zealand A scored another easy win in a limited over match against a Chief Minister’s XI in the Top End series today.

New Zealand A captain Peter Fulton won the toss and elected to bat on a very warm and clear morning at Gardens Oval, Darwin.

Once again, New Zealand A were able to lay the foundations for a sizable total with an effective opening partnership. Openers Jesse Ryder and Shanan Stewart shared a 140-run stand for the first wicket.

Ryder was eventually out when he smashed one back to the bowler who deflected it into the stumps to run him out for 65.

Captain Peter Fulton started purposefully with a four off the first ball he faced. He was eventually out for 80 in the 43rd over when he skied a ball and was caught by Dilley running in from long off.

Three of the top four New Zealand A batsmen scored half centuries.

New Zealand A lost wickets at regular intervals after this and finished with 344 from their 50 overs.

In reply, the NT XI started steadily until opener Williams was clean bowled for 14 in the 3rd over. His short innings contained 3 fours. The NT XI was 19/1. Bowden was then out for 2 after edging a ball to McGlashen and the score was 33/2. Ross Taylor did a lot of damage to the NT XI middle order, and only Lavers who made 52 before being bowled by Taylor was able to handle Taylor’s bowling.

The NT XI were all bowled out for 177.

The Top End Series continues on Tuesday when Australia A meet Pakistan A for a four day match at Marrara Stadium, Darwin.

New Zealand A 344
Peter Fulton 80, Shanan Stewart 70
T Kelly 2-50 T Pemble 2-59

New Zealand A won by 167 runs

NT Chief Minister’s XI 177
Lavers 52, Richards 31
Ross Taylor 5-31

Cricket Web Man of the Match: Peter Fulton 80