Wagner, middle order help NZ A square series

New Zealand A 228 for 8 (Flynn 54, Broom 51, de Boorder 51, Vinay 3-36) beat India A 163 (Chand 46, Wagner 4-36) by 65 runs
Scorecard

Contributions from the middle order and a four-wicket haul by Neil Wagner helped New Zealand A square the three-match series 1-1 after a comprehensive 65-run win in the final match in Lincoln. For the second successive game, the India A middle order faltered and they were bowled out for 163.

The New Zealand top order got off to a watchful start against the Indian seam duo of Jaidev Unadkat and Vinay Kumar. Daniel Flynn and Neil Broom put on 64 for the third wicket, before Flynn fell for 54. Broom, who hit 51, was involved in another half-century stand, this time for the fifth wicket with Derek de Boorder. The seamers took six wickets between them to keep the hosts under 250. De Boorder's quick 51 off 55 balls took New Zealand to 228.

The Indian openers, Abhinav Mukund and Unmukt Chand, got off to a steady start, adding 46. Abhinav was Wagner's first victim, caught for 18, but Chand showed some intent, pulling the same bowler for a six. Chand's wicket for 46 triggered a mini collapse as the visitors lost three wickets for ten runs. They failed to put on decent partnerships as Wagner and the legspinner Tarun Nethula ensured the hosts held the edge. Like Andy McKay had done in the second match, it was the turn of another pacy left-arm fast bowler, Wagner, to trouble the Indians.

The teams stay back in Lincoln for the first of two four-day matches, starting on Wednesday.