Benoni (South Africa): New Zealand came through its opening World Cup warm-up match here on Tuesday happy with their performance after scoring a 78-run win over South African four-day provincial champions Easterns.

Kiwi captain Stephen Fleming said he was very pleased with the bowling and fielding by his side, and reasonably content with the batting on a difficult wicket with inconsistent bounce at Benoni's Willowmoore Park.

New Zealand, sent in to bat after losing the toss, posted a comparatively modest 208 for seven in its 50 overs without ever really getting on top of the Easterns attack.

Easterns skipper Derek Crookes said he had hoped to have the Kiwis in trouble in the morning when he sent them in because of the moisture in the wicket, but there had been some loose bowling and several expensive missed chances.

Chris Harris compiled a workmanlike unbeaten 51 off 75 balls with four boundaries, while Nathan Astle hit an entertaining 42 off 97 balls with five fours as well as a straight six and Scott Styris a polished 40 off 82 balls with only two boundaries.

Then New Zealand's bowlers, spearheaded by Jacob Oram, who finished with five for 35, dominated the local batsmen and only a brave unbeaten 51 by Crookes enabled Easterns to reach 130.

Oram found strong support from fellow pacemen Shane Bond and Daryl Tuffey.

Copyright AFP 2001

Extras:
Sri Lanka cruises to comfortable victory in warm-up tie
Lehmann, Martyn shine, Aussies thrash provincial team