Cricket: Swing and a miss but all's well that ends well

Nathan Astle's first innings of 42 ended in spectacular fashion in the Max International at Jade Stadium, Christchurch, last night, bowled by India's Tinu Yohannan.

However, New Zealand won the 20-over match by 22 runs. India were left 109 to win in their second innings, but managed just 87 for six.

The star performer of the night, however, was Indian hero Sachin Tendulkar. He smashed 72 off 27 balls in the first innings and picked up five wickets.

New Zealand's best batting effort came from Otago's Brendon McCullum, who crunched 60 from 28 balls in the second innings.

India had gained a 10-run first innings advantage, but McCullum's effort was enough to set India an awkward challenge in the fourth innings.

With Andre Adams grabbing three wickets, and Tendulkar falling for only five to a juggling Scott Styris catch in the outfield, New Zealand were able make sure of the win. India's next game is against Central Districts in Napier, starting tomorrow. The first test starts in Wellington next Thursday.