NAPIER - England A took the last six New Zealand A wickets for just 27 runs to snatch victory in the first of three one-day cricket internationals at Nelson Park yesterday.
New Zealand seemed to be cruising toward their target of 214 at 177 for four but that was before England A pace spearhead Paul Franks came back into the attack for his final three-over spell.
Franks struck with the first balls of his eighth and ninth overs and then removed New Zealand A captain Mark Richardson with his penultimate delivery to tear the home team middle order apart.
Ronnie Irani also had success in his final spell - chipping in with the wicket of Scott Styris with his first ball - as New Zealand A tumbled to be all out for 204.
Franks took three for 28 from 10 overs and Irani three for 25 from 8.4 to give the tourists a nine-run win.
Earlier, Wellington wicketkeeper Chris Nevin (68) and Central Districts' Jacob Oram (41) put on a 91-run second-wicket partnership.
- NZPA
Cricket: England A grab shock win
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