Cricket: Vengeful Team Cricket take out Black Clash in thriller

Jordie Barrett will play for Team Rugby again in this year's Black Clash. Photo / Photosport

Team Cricket exacted revenge for last year's Black Clash defeat in thrilling fashion at Napier's McLean Park.

The sports stars brought fans together to celebrate both rugby and cricket and help raise money for the welfare funds of the New Zealand Rugby and Cricket Players Associations.

Chasing an underwhelming-looking 118 to win, Team Rugby fell just two runs short as Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene did everything but get his side to victory, falling on the final delivery of the match to the bowling of Jacob Oram.

Jayawardene, hobbled by a leg injury, scored a classy half century to pace Team Rugby's innings while Jordie Barrett (26) provided the only form of batting support, albeit coming with some booming boundaries over midwicket.

Earlier, Team Cricket's vaunted lineup of ex-professional batsmen largely failed to fire a shot as only Mathew Sinclair (60) found a way to survive the bowling spells of the likes of Jordie Barrett, Israel Dagg and Sri Lankan spin-king Muttiah Muralitharan.

Restricted to just 117 from their 20 overs, Team Cricket needed the help of an unlikely hero in the form of TV comedian Andy Lee in the second innings. His two outstanding catches formed a killer combo alongside tight bowling spells from Daniel Vettori, Nathan McCullum and Grant Elliott to set up a memorable victory.

Earlier, former Black Cap Luke Ronchi revealed his hilarious 'scouting report' on Team Rugby ahead of the match.

The inaugural event at Hagley Park, Christchurch, last year brought fans together to celebrate both codes to help raise money for the welfare funds of the New Zealand Rugby and Cricket Players Associations.

Ronchi was ready to battle once again in 2020, with some fighting words for his opposition filled with All Blacks greats.

"Looking forward to getting out on the park on Friday for @t20blackclash in Napier," Ronchi posted on Instagram. "Was great fun last year and certainly expecting more of the same this year. Thought I'd do a quick scout for Flem to help us get the 'W' this yr."Dagg - Insta and TV pretty boy. Few bumpers. Will run away to protect his face." Ronchi posted on Instagram.

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Looking forward to getting out on the park on Friday for @t20blackclash in Napier. Was great fun last year and certainly expecting more of the same this year. Thought I’d do a quick scout for Flem to help us get the ‘W’ this yr

A post shared by Luke Ronchi (@roncs04) on Jan 14, 2020 at 5:08pm PST

"B Barrett - Moved to Auckland. What a w****ker. Bumpers."

"Weber - Lookes like Mike Hesson has the man covered for height, bowl length, will feel like bumpers."

Former Black Caps coach Mike Hesson joined in on the banter with a quick reply.

"Weber sounds like a nice bloke Ronc......if you need any small men's bats and gloves am sure I can find 1 or 2 floating around," he posted.

"I'm calling for a measure off with Hesson. Height and length," replied Weber.