Cricket: Adams lifts NZ total with some late hitting

1.00am

PORT ELIZABETH - Some late hitting from Andre Adams lifted New Zealand from a middle order collapse to 241 for seven against West Indies in their vital World Cup cricket match here today.

Adams slammed 16 off the last over of the innings from spinner Chris Gayle to end 35 not out off 24 balls and complete an unbroken stand of 53 off 44 balls with recalled gloveman Brendon McCullum, who was unbeaten on 36.

But it could have been so much better for the Black Caps who once more suffered from plenty of batsmen getting starts but none anchoring the innings. Nathan Astle topscored with 46 before receiving a poor caught behind decision from local umpire Rudi Koertzen.

They were again strangled by spin in a latter overs as Chris Harris, McCullum and Adams tried to lift the tempo against Carl Hooper and Gayle.

From 177 for six after 40 overs, New Zealand added 64 in the last 10 thanks to Adams' late heroics when a total of 280 beckoned earlier in the innings on a good batting surface.

Paceman Mervyn Dillon took one for 30 off 10 overs while the unheralded medium pacer Wavell Hinds did the damage in the middle with three for 35 -- his best one-day international return.

New Zealand need to win this game to stay alive in the tournament after their opening loss to Sri Lanka.

- NZPA

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