New Zealand made it two wins out of two at the ICC Cricket World Cup when they defeated Scotland by 3 wickets on a gloriously sunny day in Dunedin.

Scotland were put into bat by Brendon McCullum and quickly reduced to 12-4 before rallying to post 142 all out.

The joint-hosts reached their victory target in only 25.5 overs but not without some alarms, as they lost 7 wickets along the way.

 It proved to be a daunting opening for the Associate nation as Scotland lost four wickets inside the first 5 overs of the match. Both Trent Boult and Tim Southee claimed two wickets in two balls, with three of the Scottish top order on the receiving end of first ball dismissals.

A plucky fifth wicket stand of 97 ensured that the list of lowest-ever ODI scores could be put away, with Matt Machan and Richie Berrington each reached fifty.

Sussex’s Machan, made 56 from 79 balls, hitting 7 fours and a 6, while Berrington fell for exactly 50 (80 balls 4x4 1x6).

Both players were dismissed by Corey Anderson who then also claimed the wicket of Matt Cross.

Cross, who has played for Nottinghamshire’s seconds over the past couple of seasons, was caught behind for 14.

Anderson collected figures of 3-18, leaving the final three wickets to be taken by Daniel Vettori, who took 3-24.

Dismissed in only 36.2 overs, few gave Scotland any hope against one of the most powerful batting sides in the tournament.

New Zealand were made to fight hard for the win though, as Scotland gave it everything in the field.

Iain Wardlaw sent back both openers, Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill and when Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson (38) followed, the home side were 106-4.

Grant Elliott then became one of four victims behind the stumps to Cross, caught behind off Wardlaw, who finished with 3-57.

Runs were still flowing from the bat as New Zealand approached their target but then Josh Davey (3-40) sent back both Anderson and Luke Ronchi to send a few more tremors through the home dressing room.

Vettori, who spent a short spell at Trent Bridge in 2003, calmed those nerves by hitting the winning runs to give New Zealand the points with 151 deliveries remaining.

The Black Caps are next in action on Friday when they oppose England in Wellington.

Scotland’s next challenge is also against England, next Monday in Christchurch.

 

Trent Bridge hosts the fourth Royal London One-Day International between England and New Zealand on Wednesday 17 June. Don't miss the chance to take in what promises to be an absorbing contest and secure your seat now.