SPORTS

NAPIER: New Zealand’s Scott Styris became hero as his knock steered New Zealand to a thrilling two-wicket win over Australia in the first match of Chappell-Hadlee Trophy cricket opener tonight.

Recalled for this series, Styris was only included after Daniel Vettori withdrew with a neck injury, and he responded with an unbeaten 49 off 34 balls as Kiwis chased down 276 with four balls to spare at McLean Park.

Shane Bond was another hero, hitting Shane Watson for two boundaries in the second last over as he and Styris took 12 runs off it, then Styris cracked Doug Bollinger over his head for six to send the crowd of 8257 into a frenzy.

Needing a tick under six an over in their chase, New Zealand flew into their work with Brendon McCullum, 45 off 43 and Peter Ingram, 40 off 41 racking up 75 off 11.2 overs.