New Zealand A 224 (McConchie 74, Johnson 4-53, Agar 4-56) and 365 for 7 (Foxcroft 97, Bruce 64, Fletcher 56*, Cooper 52, Bartlett 3-78, Swepson 3-121) beat Australia A 370 for 6 dec (Renshaw 112, Ward 75, McSweeney 50, Kuggeleijn 3-94) and 218 for 2 dec (Renshaw 78, McSweeney 69*, Ward 67*) by three wickets
After resuming on 31 for 0, New Zealand A had taken time to lay a foundation. Xavier Bartlett made two morning breakthroughs for Australia A, claiming openers Sean Solia and Henry Cooper, before the middle order got to work.
Foxcroft and Cole McConchie, who has been named in New Zealand’s squad to tour Pakistan, added 73 for the third wicket before Foxcroft and Bruce compiled a crucial 95 for the fourth.
Swepson kept Australia A in the match when he also removed Rob O’Donnell as the batter advanced down the pitch and missed. And when Bruce, having made 64 off 73 balls, fell to Bartlett, there were still 67 runs needed with the lower order exposed.
However, Doug Bracewell cracked four boundaries in a nine-ball 18 to make significant inroads into that alongside Fletcher, who struck three sixes in his rapid display.
Wes Agar removed Bracewell to a catch in the deep but Scott Kuggeleijn was able to partner Fletcher through to the target.
All the Australia A attack came in for punishment with Swepson going at nearly four an over through 31 overs.
The second of two four-day matches begins in Lincoln on Saturday.
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