New Zealand beat Scotland by 3 Wickets

Dunedin, Feb 17 (CRICKETNMORE) - New Zealand beat Scotland by 3 Wickets in a cricket World Cup Pool A match here Tuesday.

The Cup co-hosts New Zealand first put on a superb bowling display to shot out the minnows for a paltry 142 runs in 36.2 overs. But their were pushed to an uncomfortable position in what was a routine run chase, as they were reduced to 117 for five in 21 overs.

Scorecard - NZ beat Scotland by 3 wickets

They still won by 151 balls to spare but their laboured batting performance would raise some uncomfortable questions for skipper Brendon McCullum.

Scotland's right-arm pacer Iain Wardlaw (3/57) struck meaty blows to check New Zealand's attempted quick march to victory. Fellow right-armer Josh Davey (3/40) also kept New Zealand in check.

Skipper McCullum (15) also perished soon because of his over-aggressiveness. No.3 batsman Kane Williamson (38) stitched together a useful 40-run fourth wicket partnership with Grant Elliott (29) to move New Zealand towards victory. But Williamson's dismissal on in the 18th over triggered a collapse as they were reduced to 137 for seven in the 24th over.

Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl first. McCullum based his decision hoping to exploit the moist pitch conditions of the pitch and his judgement was backed up by some superb bowling.

New Zealand bowlers dismissed Scotland for 142 at the University Oval here. Early blows by opening pace pair of Tim Southee (2/35) and Trent Boult (2/21) put the Scotland on the backfoot and they were never able to recover from it. Left-arm pacer Corey Anderson (3/18) and Veteran spinner Daniel Vettori (3/24) wrapped up the lower order in 37th over.

The highlight of the Ireland innings was a 97-run partnership between left-hand batsman Matt Machan (56) and right hander Richie Berrington (50), but the rest of their batting fell away and New Zealand wrapped up their innings in just 36.2 overs.

Video Highlights

Quotes

B.McCullum - "Credit to Scotland for the way they fought after being 12-4, many teams would have been rolled out but they fought on. It was a tricky score and did get tense towards the end. Southee and Boult have been outstanding as they have always been. It was a really good performance with the ball and with the bat we showed glimpses but yes there is scope for improvement there. Long way to go in the competition and we know that. England will be tough to beat and we need to play good cricket."

Mommsen - 'It was a tough start for us with the bat. The conditions were good for the bowlers and we couldn't quite weather the storm. Credit to Mathew and Richie for the partnership but they couldn't carry on. We focused on putting the ball in the right areas with the ball which worked to a large extent. We are proud of our performances."

T Boult (Man of the Match) - "Pitch felt pretty good. The ball swung around a bit and it was nice to get it in the right areas. Got a bit tight at the end with the bat though. The idea is to control the swing without letting up on the pace. Enjoying myself and hoping to carry on this good work.'

CRICKETNMORE (with Inputs from Agency)