Sport

NZ XI scrape past Worcestershire

07:56 am on 18 May 2015

The New Zealand XI cricketers have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Worcestershire in their four-day warm-up match in England, taking the hosts' final six wickets for just 22 runs.

The New Zealanders declared at 275-9, largely thanks to a Martin Guptill century, leaving the home side chasing 246 runs from 50 overs to triumph.

The hosts were sitting pretty on 191 for 3, needing just 55 runs from the final 16 overs with seven wickets in hand.

But they collapsed in spectacular fashion to be all out for 230 and lose by 15 runs.

The New Zealand coach Mike Hesson was pleased with the character shown to complete the win.

Spinner Mark Craig took four scalps, while paceman Matt Henry claimed the hosts final three wickets.

Opener Guptill top scored for New Zealand with 150, boosting his chances of securing a spot in the Black Caps team for Thursday's first test.