At the end of the third day, Australia can see victory in the first of the two-match Trans-Tasman Trophy, 2008/09. New Zealand batsmen are struggling at 143 for 6 in the second innings, chasing a winning target of 327 runs. In the low-scoring match, Australian batsmen batted very well in the second innings as they could reach at 268, losing all the wickets. Adding the first innings lead of 58 runs, Australia set 327 runs as the winning target for New Zealand in the fourth innings of the match. Losing 6 wickets at 143, New Zealand is now left with only 4 wickets, needing 184 more runs to win the match.
Australia opener Simon Katich’s excellent century of 131 was instrumental behind Australia’s second innings total of 268 runs. Moreover, Australian tail end also contributed a lot to throw a 300 plus target for New Zealand. Pacer Mitchell Johnson scored 31 runs, coming to bat at no. 10. New Zealand pacer Chris Martin picked up 3 wickets, while pacer Iain O'Brien and left arm spinner Captain Daniel Vettori got 2 wickets each.
At this moment, New Zealand’s biggest hope is around batsman Ross Taylor who is currently not out on 67. Jesse Ryder and Daniel Flynn tried to build up the innings, but both of them got out for 24 and 29 respectively after getting set in the wicket. New Zealand suffered the last blow when Grant Elliott got out in the last ball of the day without getting off the mark. Captain Daniel Vettori will join Ross Taylor tomorrow and New Zealand fans are expecting a good partnership between them. In fact, a partnership between Ross Taylor and Daniel Vettori is now badly needed for New Zealand in order to reach the target. Vettori batted very well in the recent tour in Bangladesh. So, New Zealand can hold on their patience and stick to their hopes of seeing a New Zealand victory.
No comments:
Post a Comment