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Kiwis survive Van Jaarsveld assault
New Zealand wrapped up their preparation for next week's triangular one-day series with a hard fought 5-run win against Northamptonshire.
New Zealand wrapped up their preparation for next week's triangular one-day series with a hard fought five run win against Northamptonshire on Sunday despite a hundred from South Africa's Martin van Jaarsveld.
Brendon McCullum (58) and Jacob Oram (50) were the main contributors to the Black Caps' 253 all out with 21-year-old Northamptonshire pace bowler Adam Shantry taking five for 37.
Northamptonshire, after rain intervened, were left to chase a revised Duckworth/Lewis total of 247 in 48 overs.
Van Jaarsveld led the hosts assault with 12 fours in his 102 from 108 balls. But he eventually hit Oram to James Franklin at long-on.
Pace bowling all-rounder Chris Cairns, New Zealand's acting captain in this match, then saw his side home.
In the last over, bowled by Cairns, Northamptonshire needed 11 but could only manage five and finished on 241 for eight.
Earlier the tourists' top order collapsed to 26 for three with Michael Papps, Nathan Astle and Hamish Marshall all falling cheaply.
It was left to Oram and Cairns (46) to revive the innings with a fifth-wicket stand of 67 in 12 overs.
After Oram fell, Cairns helped McCullum put on 59 before the skipper was bowled by Carl Greenidge, son of former West Indies batsman Gordon.
New Zealand, whitewashed 3-0 in their Test series against England concluded earlier this month, face the hosts in Thursday's triangular opener at Old Trafford. West Indies are the other team taking part.
