Fulton comes to Black Caps’ rescue

Opener Peter Fulton rescued New Zealand in the World Cup Super 8s against Ireland, scoring 83 as the Black Caps amassed 262 for eight.

Opener Peter Fulton rescued New Zealand in the World Cup Super 8s against Ireland, scoring 83 as the Black Caps amassed 262 for eight. Brendon McCullum and James Franklin smashed a quickfire 71 for the eighth wicket.

Wicketkeeper McCullum smashed a press box window with a massive six as he scored 47 and the Black Caps hit 59 from the last five overs. First, captain Stephen Fleming, mistimed a cut and was caught at point by William Porterfield off Boyd Rankin.

Hamish Marshall fell 24 runs later when Eoin Morgan took an athletic catch tumbling backwards. Scott Styris scored only 10 before he too mistimed a drive and edged the ball to wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien.

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Sensing the sluggish wicket, Ireland brought two spinners, Kyle McCallan and Andrew White into the attack. McCallan struck in his third over, inducing Craig McMillan to slash forcefully outside off and present Trent Johnston with a simple chance at gully.

SCOREBOARD

New Zealand: Fulton lbw b McCallan 83, Fleming c Porterfield b Rankin 10, Marshall c Morgan b Langford-Smith 16, Styris c NJ O’Brien b Langford-Smith 10, McMillan c Johnston b McCallan 22, Oram c Morgan b White 20, McCullum c Morgan b Johnston 47, Vettori c NJ O’Brien b White 5, Franklin not out 34, Bond not out 0.

Extras: (b-3, lb-1, w-12) 16

Total: (8 wickets; 50 overs) 263

Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-59, 3-83, 4-118, 5-172, 6-181, 7-189, 8-260

Bowling: D Langford-Smith 10-1-41-2, WB Rankin 8-0-55-1, DT Johnston 10-0-63-1, WK McCallan 10-0-35-2, AR White 10-0-45-2, KJ O’Brien 2-0-20-0.

–SIMON HAYDON