Cricket World Cup: NZ make hard work of win

Grant Elliott in action during New Zealand's scrappy run chase at University Oval. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand are two from two at the Cricket World Cup after beating Scotland by three wickets at University Oval today.

The win was set up by a strong bowling performance, which had Scotland dismissed for just 142 in 36.2 overs.

The Scots were 12 for four after new ball pair Trent Boult and Tim Southee took two wickets apiece early.

The saving grace for Scotland was a 97-run stand for the fifth wicket between Matt Machan and Richie Berrington, who both completed impressive half centuries.

The last six wickets bell for 33, with Corey Anderson and Dan Vettori getting three wickets apiece.

New Zealand made a dog's breakfast of the chase, losing seven wickets before Vettori got the winning runs, with a miscued hoick over slips.

The co-hosts were guilty of lack of attention to detail and sloppy shots.

Seamer Iain Wardlaw and Josh Davey took three wickets each with Kane Williamson's 38 and 29 from Grant Elliott standing out.

New Zealand next face England in Wellington on Friday while Scotland have a few days off before also playing England in Christchurch on Monday.

Image 1 of 13: Trent Boult of New Zealand successfully appeals for the wicket of Hamish Gardiner of Scotland during the ICC Cricket World Cup match. Photo / Getty Images

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