Cricket: NZ A denied bold bid for victory

Bj Watling of New Zealand bats during the Emerging Players Tournament match between the AIS and New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images

The New Zealand A cricket side's ambitious pursuit of outright victory against the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) fell agonisingly short in Brisbane yesterday despite a valiant century by former test opener BJ Watling.

Set a daunting 352 to win the Emerging Players tournament three-day match, the New Zealanders were left stranded at 343 for seven when darkness enveloped Peter Burge Oval.

Watling made 139 from 202 balls and struck 19 boundaries to anchor a runchase embellished by adventurous innings by Dean Brownlie, who made 41 from 37, and Luke Woodcock, who clubbed 52 from 37 deliveries.

Daniel Flynn also contributed 38 from 32 balls as they mounted a strong challenge after the AIS declared at 388 for eight. Alex Keath topscored with 104 after the hosts resumed on 180 for three.

Watling became the second New Zealand A batsman to acknowledge his teammates after Neil Broom constructed a stunning 197 from 187 balls in the first innings.

Doug Bracewell took three for 75 and Todd Astle three for 64 to lead the wicket-takers for New Zealand A while Trent Boult and Andy McKay bagged two wickets apiece.

They made a strong start to their run chase as Brad Wilson, with 21, and Watling rattled on 81 for the first wicket.

Watling saw five more partners come and go before he was bowled by Sean Abbott.

Derek de Boorder and Astle were stranded on 14 not out when the contest was called off.

The tournament now heads to Townsville where New Zealand A play India and the AIS play South Africa in games starting on Saturday.

The match between joint tournament leaders India and South Africa also ended in stalemate yesterday.

- NZPA