Australians secure draw on entertaining last day

New Zealand's Academy was unable to complete a victory over their Australian counterparts at Lincoln Green, near Christchurch today.

The Australians held out for a draw to finish the game 275/8, still 55 runs short of victory.

George Bailey played an outstanding innings to score 101 and keep his side right in the hunt. But when he was out with 10 of the last 15 overs remaining, the Australians put up the shutters and held on for the draw.

Earlier, the McCullum brothers, Brendon and Nathan, led New Zealand's recovery with a fine 125-run seventh wicket partnership in 107 minutes. Brendon hit 80 off 94 balls which included nine fours and three sixes while Nathan scored 66 off 88 balls with one six and 10 fours.

Chris Cairns hit 34 off 42 balls, including eight boundaries. New Zealand declared their second innings on 290/8, leaving the Australian Academy a target of 330. Steven Crook and Xavier Doherty each took two for 33 for the visitors.

Some exciting play followed in the run chase. Two superb pieces of out-fielding from Taraia Robin and Sam Whiteman produced bonus run outs as batsmen attempted risky second runs.

At tea the Australians were 108/4 but immediately after the break Beau Casson and Bailey launched a fearsome assault which gave their side every chance of a come from behind win.

Casson scored 50 off 65 balls, including eight fours and one six, but no sooner had he achieved the milestone than he played a poor shot to Nathan McCullum's bowling.

But Bailey continued on in dominating form and when the last 15 overs started with 96 runs still required for victory, he was 81 not out scored off 99 balls.

Nathan McCullum took some punishment as the Australians used their feet to get down the wicket to his off-spinners but he gained Casson's wicket to partially ebb the Australian tide. McCullum finished with three for 92 and Wade Cornelius followed his first innings five wicket bag with two for 39.