Cricket: Thrilling win nails place in final for NZ A

CHENNAI - New Zealand A came back strongly in the second innings to sneak a 23-run over Indian Railways and a final spot in the Buchi Babu invitational tournament in Chennai, India.

Chasing 169 to win, Railways were undone by Canterbury medium pacer Shane Bond, who finished with the inspiring figures of seven for 45.

Bowled out for a paltry 129 in the first innings, New Zealand A trailed by 150 runs after Railways made 279.

Auckland's Lou Vincent got New Zealand A back on track with an unbeaten 102.

Following up on a century in the previous match, Vincent played the spinners and pacemen with ease.

New Zealand A had started the day on 216 for six, an overall lead of 66.

Vincent, on 57 overnight, gave a glimmer of hope and with Kyle Mills, who struck 37, took the score to 318 for eight declared off just 62 overs.

Vincent's heroics were quickly followed by Bond's performance from the bowling crease. In temperatures over 35 degrees, he produced a spell of hostile bowling.

Brooke Walker's run out of Murli Kartik, who made 30, signalled the beginning of the end as Bond went on to run through the innings, skittling Railways for 145.

New Zealand A meet a Cricket Association of Bengal XI in the final.

- NZPA