Upset win ends two-week contest

South Africa grab Emerging Players trophy

Cricinfo staff

July 28, 2007

South Africa Emerging Players 9 for 254 (Philander 59, Duminy 50, Nichol 3-36) beat New Zealand A 172 (McCullum 43, Philander 3-20, Abdullah 3-37) by 82 runs

After being the dominant team for three-quarters of the tournament, New Zealand A were unable to maintain their peak at the business end and were easily over-run by South Africa Emerging Players in the final at Allan Border Field. South Africa, who inflicted the only group defeat of James Marshall's team on Wednesday, were again in control after a strong batting performance and a restrictive bowling display.

South Africa's 9 for 254 was set up by half-centuries from JP Duminy and Vernon Philander, who provided a late flurry of 59 off 50 with two sixes. Philander also made an important impact with the ball, taking 3 for 30 as New Zealand folded for a disappointing 172.

New Zealand were in a comfortable position at 1 for 71, but Philander quickly collected his victims and five wickets, including Marshall to Johan Botha, fell for 15 runs. Nathan McCullum tried his best with 43 before the team which performed so well in the early stages finished with an 82-run loss.

Australian Academy 8 for 265 (Hill 66, Ronchi 56) beat Karnataka State Cricket Association XI 264 (Cheluvaraj 69, Pawan 57, Heal 4-34) by 2 wickets

The hosts sneaked home with a ball to spare to avoid the wooden spoon and end a difficult week on a high. Karnataka beat the Academy on Wednesday and they were on track for a repeat after posting 264, with V Cheluvaraj's 69 and KD Pawan's 57 leading the way before Aaron Heal stepped in with four wickets.

Luke Ronchi provided a start that is becoming typical - he smashed two sixes and nine fours in his 45-ball 56 - and Michael Hill produced a mature 66 to steer the Academy chase before Phillip Hughes (38) and Ben Cutting (7) combined for the final 20 runs. The win sealed third place for the Academy, which was without the suspended Mark Cosgrove, Aaron Finch and David Warner.

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