Foxcroft and Fletcher down Australia A in big run chase

New Zealand A produced a fantastic final-day run chase to topple their Australian counterparts in Lincoln as they hunted down an imposing 365. Dean Foxcroft and captain Tom Bruce got them within sight of the target before Cam Fletcher's unbeaten half-century finished the job.

After resuming on 31 for 0, New Zealand A had taken time to lay a foundation. Xavier Bartlett made two morning breakthroughs for Australia A, claiming openers Sean Solia and Henry Cooper, before the middle order got to work.

Foxcroft and Cole McConchie, who has been named in New Zealand's squad to tour Pakistan, added 73 for the third wicket before Foxcroft and Bruce compiled a crucial 95 for the fourth.

South African-born Foxcroft, who may have to wait until 2025 to be eligible for the national side, was three runs away from a century when he was superbly caught by Jimmy Peirson from an under-edged reverse sweep against Mitchell Swepson.

Swepson kept Australia A in the match when he also removed Rob O'Donnell as the batter advanced down the pitch and missed. And when Bruce, having made 64 off 73 balls, fell to Bartlett, there were still 67 runs needed with the lower order exposed.

However, Doug Bracewell cracked four boundaries in a nine-ball 18 to make significant inroads into that alongside Fletcher, who struck three sixes in his rapid display.

Wes Agar removed Bracewell to a catch in the deep but Scott Kuggeleijn was able to partner Fletcher through to the target.

All the Australia A attack came in for punishment with Swepson going at nearly four an over through 31 overs.

The second of two four-day matches begins in Lincoln on Saturday.