 KIWISNew Zealand took out the Emerging Players Tournament title by overcoming Australia by three wickets in the final at Brisbane's Allan Border Field. Captained by Jesse Ryder, New Zealand won the tournament for the first time in four attempts, going one better than runner-up finishes in 2005 and 2007. Ryder won the toss and sent Australia in on an ideal batting pitch, which saw the locals score a reasonably modest total of 9-240 off their 50 overs. Steve O'Keefe was the only batsman to reach a half-century as he scored 70, along with 46 from New South Wales team-mate Peter Forrest. Ryder continued a successful tournament with the ball as he was New Zealand's best bowler with 3-35, backed up by fellow all-rounder Brad Scott's 3-59. New Zealand's hard-hitting skipper then got off to a flyer as he notched 36 of a 43-run opening stand with Martin Guptill before Ryder was the first man to go. Guptill kept his form going with 41 and Peter Ingram chipped in with 27 from number three as New Zealand made a strong start. Three wickets from Grant Sullivan kept the Australians in the contest but a vital 84-run fourth-wicket stand between Neil Broom and BJ Watling put New Zealand in the box seat. Broom top scored with 62 before he was dismissed and Watling led his side home with four overs remaining as he finished on 40 not out. |