Biggest roar goes to Taylor's hundred

A Black Caps fan waves his flag in the stand at Napier's McLean Park during yesterday's One Day International match against Pakistan. Photo / Paul Taylor

A blustery Hawke's Bay wind and 30C temperatures may have kept the crowd away early, but a high-scoring match and confident Kiwi side left cricket fans eagerly awaiting the World Cup yesterday.

Napier's McLean Park was the place to be as the Black Caps took on Pakistan in one of their final hit-outs before the ICC World Cup begins this month in Australia and New Zealand.

There was a scattering around the ground of orange-clad spectators hoping to catch a one-handed six and be in with a shot to win $1 million or tickets to the Cup final in Melbourne next month.

Waipukurau man Robbie Elmers had that chance, but was left "disappointed" after shelling a late first-innings six and an opportunity to be a millionaire.

He said possible factors may have included his "greasy fingers" after eating fish 'n' chips, or his "mate" running in front of him.

The crowd first found their voice when Black Cap Kane Williamson scored his sixth ODI hundred and was later given a standing ovation when finally dismissed.

A huge roar again echoed around the ground when Ross Taylor scored his hundred off the last ball of New Zealand's innings.

An "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie" chant went up as the crowd seemingly celebrated former Australian international wicket-keeper Luke Ronchi's dingo past, despite his birth town being southern Hawke's Bay's own Dannevirke.

The enormous Mohammad Irfran, standing at 216cm, was also affectionately known as the "jolly green giant" to a group of fans on the grassy bank.

Two Hawke's Bay youngsters were given a day to remember as Stephanie McNair joined the two captains during the toss, while Joshua Huckle was tasked with delivering the match balls to the umpires.

Dozens of children also had their time in the sun, playing back-yard-cricket during the innings break, as part of the ActivePost kids on the ground event.

It was also a relief to some spectators to not see a repeat performance from a nude streaker, as was the case when the last national team, the All Blacks, played on the McLean Park turf in September.