Cricket: NZ bowlers swamp Netherlands

New Zealand cruised to a commanding eight-wicket win over the Netherlands in their women's World Cup cricket match in Christchurch yesterday.

The Dutch were undone by New Zealand's tight-fisted bowlers, who restricted them to a paltry 80 runs. Then opener Paula Flannery scored an unbeaten 36 to steer the home side to victory in just 16.3 overs.

Only three Dutch batsmen scored more than two. Caroline Salomons top-scored with 26 and enjoyed a fourth-wicket partnership of 39 with wicketkeeper Rowan Milburn, who made 20.

All of the New Zealand bowlers benefited, particularly offspinner Catherine Campbell. She produced an extraordinary performance to concede just three runs from 10 wicketless overs.

Helen Watson picked up three for 28, Katrina Keenan took two for 12, Kirsten Ramel two for 17 and Erin McDonald two for 17 to underline the superiority of the New Zealand bowling attack.

The New Zealand batsmen were never going to be threatened by such a paltry challenge, but the home side would have been annoyed that opener Debbie Hockley was run out for nine.

Flannery's innings occupied 45 balls and included five fours, while skipper Emily Drumm smacked 20 off 19.

Meanwhile, champions Australia were given a tough workout before beating India by 51 runs.

Responding to Australia's 223 for five from 50 overs, India readied themselves to make a genuine challenge at their victory target before being restricted to 172 for eight.

India had been 114 for one in the 34th over, but Australia tightened the screws to suffocate the challenge. Therese McGregor was the most successful of the Australian bowlers, claiming three for 38 off 10 overs.

Earlier, Lisa Keightley (74) and Karen Rolton (61) shared a second-wicket partnership of 110 off 142 balls to provide the backbone of Australia's innings.

Points (with games in brackets): Australia 8 (4), New Zealand 6 (4), India 6 (4), South Africa 4 (3), England 2 (3), Sri Lanka 2 (3), Ireland 0 (3), Netherlands 0 (4).

- NZPA