Cricket: Batsmen shine against SA

Kane Williamson top-scored for the Black Caps in their warm-up match against South Africa. Photo / Getty

New Zealand rattled up 331 for eight in their 50 overs of the final warmup game for cricket's World Cup against South Africa at Hagley Oval in Christchurch today.

Having won the toss in what amounted to an unofficial game in which the teams could use all 15 squad members, Kane Williamson top scored with an impressive 66 in 53 balls.

Openers Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill put on a brisk 57, captain McCullum making 59 off 45 balls.

McCullum and Williamson added a bracing 70 in 8.4 overs, Williamson at one point taking top class seamer Vernon Philander for boundaries in three successive balls.

Every New Zealand batsman reached double figures, apart from Tim Southee, who came in during the final over.

Seamers Kyle Abbott, Philander and Wayne Parnell took two wickets apiece.

The match, played before a healthy sprinkling of fans, some waving South African flags, had a true practice feel to it.

The South African bowlers looked to be treating it as a mid-wicket practice and some of the fielding lacked the usual sharpness to be expected from one of the game's best fielding outfits.

All South Africa's bowlers had a spell, apart from their top-ranked bowler, Dale Steyn.
New Zealand open the cup against Sri Lanka on the same ground on Saturday while South Africa head to Hamilton tomorrow where they will open their campaign against neighbours Zimbabwe on Sunday.