New Zealand vs Scotland, 6th Match, Pool A - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Series: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Venue: University Oval, Dunedin Date & Time: Feb 17, 11:00 AM LOCAL

For Scotland, it is an opportunity to prove that the Associate nations are not to be taken too lightly. They will be geared up to put up more than just a good fight and that offers us a lip-smacking contest.

In late January, New Zealand played Sri Lanka twice in Dunedin and both times, posted a score above 300. The wicket at Dunedin for the Scotland game is expected to play a lot similar to the one that was on offer during the Sri Lanka series.

Run-making is expected to be easy on a true paced wicket and both the teams would love a first crack at the opposition bowling.

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Brendon McCullum became Iain Wardlaw's second victim when he guided a length delivery on off-stump straight to the wicket-keeper. McCullum looked like he wanted to finish the match off in a hurry and needlessly played at a ball he ought to have dealty with circumspectly.

Kane Williamson continued to bat in a style he knows best, oblivious to what was happening around him, and moved on to 22 off 23. New Zealand went into lunch at 63/2 in 9 overs, needing only 80 more to win.

Kane Williamson was at his fluent best. ©Reuters

In a bid to reach the 142 target quickly, Ross Taylor holed out to the deep mid-wicket fielder when he attempted an ill-advised slog sweep against Majid Haq but ended up getting more height than distance. Kane Williamson and new man Grant Elliott however batted positively to take New Zealand closer to the win.

Kane Williamson stepped out and attempted an uncharacteristic heave against Josh Davey, got a thin inside edge and was caught behind. Williamson fell for 38 with New Zealand requiring a further 37 runs to win the match.

Grant Elliott was the next to go when he edged Iain Wardlaw to the keeper. Elliott became Wardlaw's third scalp.

In the next over, Corey Anderson found the fine-leg fielder when a mistimed flick shot ballooned up in the air. They slipped further with under 10 runs to win when Luke Ronchi looked to finish the game with a big six, but found the deep mid-wicket fielder to precision to give Josh Davey his third wicket.

Comical from New Zealand.

In the end, the match was never as close as the scorecard suggested. But for some lackadaisical batting, New Zealand were expected to overhaul Scotland's total of 142 at a canter. Credit to Scotland for spiritedly fighting even when the cause seemed lost. At the end, the performance of New Zealand's new ball bowlers gave the hosts a 3-wicket win over Scotland.

The writing was on the wall five overs into the game when New Zealand, after inserting Scotland, had them reduced to 12/4, thanks to some incisive bowling by Trent Boult and Tim Southee. Matt Machan and Richie Berrington shared an impressive 97-run stand and looked set to take the total past 200 before Corey Anderson and Daniel Vettori took the final six wickets for 33 runs to bowl Scotland out for 142.

Chase of 143 was never going to test New Zealand but Scotland stuck at it and kept plugging away at the wickets, Iain Wardlaw and Josh Davey picking three apiece, to make the game slightly interesting. Eventually New Zealand crossed over the line with almost 25 overs to go. With 2 wins out of 2, New Zealand have made a solid start to the tournament.