New Zealand has stuttered to a three-wicket win over Scotland in their second Cricket World Cup match in Dunedin.
Scotland batted first after Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum won the toss and put the Scots into bat, on a University Oval pitch that offered the pace bowlers some assistance.
Tim Southee and Trent Boult made the most of the conditions which offered them plenty of swing and they scythed through Scotland's top order to have them 12-4.
A 97 run fifth wicket stand between Matt Machan (56) and Richie Berrington (50) saved the Scots from embarrassment as four batsmen succumbed to golden ducks, with Scotland eventually all out for 142.
Spinner Dan Vettori took three wickets as did allrounder Corey Anderson while Southee and Boult finished with two apiece.
Scotland's Majid Haq was one of three wickets taken by Dan Vettori. Photo: Photosport
New Zealand made the run chase much tougher than they needed losing seven wickets in the process, with Kane Williamson the top scorer with 38.
Most of the New Zealand batsmen got starts but couldn't carry on.
Openers Martin Guptil and Brendon McCullum made 17 and 15 respectively, while Ross Taylor holed out for 9, Grant Elliot was second top scorer with 29, while Corey Anderson made 11 and Luke Ronchi 12.
Brendon McCullum, who made 15 against Scotland, says the Black Caps will need a much improved batting effort in their next game against England. Photo: Photosport
Skipper Brendon McCullum concedes they'll need to improve batting wise for Friday's game against England in Wellington.
"A really good performance in the field and with the ball and with the bat we showed glimpses but we need to improve on that," he said.
