MELBOURNE, Dec 2: New Zealand won their first match on their troubled tour of Australia on Thursday to give themselves a timely boost ahead of the opening One-day International against the world champions.
The Kiwis beat a Victoria state invitational team by 34 runs in a makeshift 40 overs a side match, after losing their three previous matches, including the two Tests against Australia.
Batting first, New Zealand racked up an impressive total of 277 for seven with captain Stephen Fleming top scoring with 67 and Nathan Astle making 66. New Zealand bowled the home side out for 243 to secure the win with all rounder Chris Cairns, who missed the Test series, taking two wickets.
Australia have decided to rest fast bowler Glenn McGrath from Sunday's opening one-dayer in Melbourne, giving Brett Lee the chance to make his international comeback. -Reuters
