New Zealand A must beat Sri Lanka tomorrow to have any chance of reaching the tri-s
eries final after loosing their second consecutive match in the tournament against South Africa A at Colombo yesterday.
After being put in to bat, the New Zealanders were under pressure from a demanding pace attack on a pitch that offered early movement after overnight rain. The loss of early wickets saw NZA reduced to 108 for six at the completion of the 32nd over.
It was at that stage that the decision was made to introduce super sub into the game to give his team another batting option. His introduction was at the expense of Iain O'Brien.
How did make a useful contribution. His 31 not out helping the New Zealanders reach 169 before they were all out in the 49th over. (29), James Marshall (32) and Gareth Hopkins (26) were the only other scorers of note.
The South African chase started aggressively, but when they reached 71 for four, there appeared to be some hope for the New Zealanders. But with O'Brien being subbed out of the game early, the bowling attack was significantly weakened. South Africa did not loose another wicket as they reached their target comfortably in the 36th over.
Chris Harris bowled another miserly spell, taking one for 17, while Daryl Tuffey finished with two for 24 off his six overs.
