New Zealand top group 2 table after victory over Australia

New Zealand's pairing of Daniel Vettori and Jacob Oram continued their impressive form in the Double Wicket World Championship with a tense 4 run win over Australia. In the closest match of the tournament so far, Jacob Oram was again the batting hero as he struck the fourth ball of Greg Blewett's final over for a towering six over long on. He then defended the final two balls successfully to ensure New Zealand topped the group 2 table. The Black Caps will play Pakistan in the second semi-final on Sunday.

In spite of Davison's dismissal in Oram's first over, the Australian pair made good progress, mainly through sensible batting. Blewett in particular looked in good form, some eyecatching strokes, including a lovely on drive in Vettori's second over. Oram again bowled well, full and straight, posting long on and long off during the first four overs. It was, however, his dismissal of Blewett in the final over that swung the game New Zealand's way.

The New Zealand innings started badly when Blewett bowled Vettori, and Davison caught and bowled Oram. However the pair consolidated well, Oram in particularly driving powerfully. Guest fielder Devon Malcolm could only watch in the fourth over as Oram struck a big six over his head at long on. The Kiwis reached their 50 in the seventh over, and were left with five to win off the last over. The first two balls bowled by Blewett were spot on, giving Vettori no chance of a run. The pair scampered a single from the fourth, and then Oram administered his coup de grace to ensure New Zealand won this close trans-tasman battle.