Australia A v New Zealand A, Darwin

How's ton guides New Zealand to thumping win

Cricinfo staff

July 5, 2006

New Zealand A 2 for 239 (How 123*, Papps 64) beat Australia A 7 for 236 (Hodge 123, Hopes 61*) by 8 wickets
Scorecard

An unbeaten 123 by opener Jamie How guided New Zealand A to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Australia A in their opening match of the Top End Series at Darwin. New Zealand looked at ease right from the start chasing 237, thanks to a 196-run opening stand between How and Michael Papps, who made 64.

How scored 17 boundaries and a six in his run-a-ball knock and the pair kept the Australian bowlers at bay till the 37th over, when Papps was caught behind by Brad Haddin off Shane Watson. Jessy Ryder fell two balls later but New Zealand cantered home with just nearly nine overs to spare after a quickfire 27 by Peter Fulton.

How's knock outshone Brad Hodge's fighting 123 which helped his side recover after a jittery start. Seamer Mark Gillespie rocked the top-order with three quick wickets to leave Australia tottering at 5 for 51, till Hodge and James Hopes staged a recovery act with a 175-run stand for the sixth-wicket. Hodge scored 16 fours and a six before he was bowled by Graeme Aldridge in the 49th over. Hopes remained unbeaten on 61 while Gillespie finished with figures of 3 for 49.

© Cricinfo