19 Mar 2009

Mixed fortunes for NZ cricketers

9:29 pm on 19 March 2009

It has been a day of contrasting fortunes for the New Zealand men's and women's cricket teams.

India is just one run behind the Black Caps at stumps on the second day of the first Test in Hamilton on Thursday, with the tourists 278 for four.

India started the day at 29 for none, as they chased the Black Caps' first innings total of 279.

The New Zealand bowlers struggled all day, with all the Indian batsmen getting a start and Gautam Gambhir top-scoring on 72, although Sachin Tendulkar is unbeaten on 70.

Chris Martin was the most successful of the New Zealand bowlers, picking up two wickets.

Women's team the White Ferns have reached the World Cup final in Sydney after trouncing Pakistan by 223 runs in their final playoff match.

The White Ferns amassed 373-7, with Suzie Bates scoring 168 off 105 balls while skipper Haidee Tiffen made 100.

Pakistan was dismissed for 150 with Lucy Doolan taking three wickets.

The White Ferns will play England in the final on Sunday.