Cricket: NZ A close campaign with stalemate

Brent Arnel worked hard to take three for 73 from 32 economical overs. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand A ended their Emerging Players cricket tournament with a draw against their South African counterparts in Townsville yesterday.

In a strong position after Dean Brownlie amassed an unbeaten 181 on the opening day of the three-day match on Thursday, NZ A's bowlers then struggled to contain South Africa's batsmen on a placid Endeavour Park pitch.

Player and batsman of the tournament Reeza Hendricks eclipsed Brownlie's effort with a sublime 218 from 400 balls, an innings studded with 18 boundaries and seven sixes.

Farhaan Behardien and Ethan O'Reilly also crafted 116 and a neat unbeaten ton respectively as South Africa replied to NZ A's 382 for seven declared with a massive 551 for eight which ensured a draw was the only viable outcome.

Test pace bowler Brent Arnel toiled hard to take three for 73 from 32 economical overs.

NZ A's batsmen had one last opportunity to occupy the crease before the match was curtailed early with Brownlie unbeaten on 42 and the score on 79 for two.

The Australian-born Brownlie's output in the final game was a positive sign while Neil Broom started the three-day format in style with 197 against the Australian Institute of Sport before tapering off.

India were the overall winners of the tournament which also included Twenty20 and 50-over matches.

- NZPA