Cricket: Sulzberger spins team into semis

Offspinner Glen Sulzberger led New Zealand A into the semifinals of the Buchi Babu knockout cricket tournament in India.

The Central Districts allrounder took five for 73 off 25 overs as local side MRF were bowled out for 318 in their first innings on a sweltering day in Chennai.

It gave New Zealand A a 156-run win on the first innings after they scored 474 for eight declared, thanks to centuries from captain Matthew Bell and Hamish Marshall.

Sulzberger broke a stubborn 122-run partnership for the eighth wicket before finishing off the innings with the final three wickets for 12.

Fellow spinner Brooke Walker, who is also vying for one of the vacant places in the New Zealand one-day team, took two for 88 off 31 overs.

The team now meet domestic Ranji finalists Indian in the semifinals.