Smith keeps New Zealand at bay

Worcestershire 163 for 3 (Smith 72*) v The New Zealanders
Scorecard

Only 50.2 overs were possible in the New Zealander's match against Worcestershire at New Road. In that time, Ben Smith, Worcestershire's captain, scored 72 not out to help his side to 163 for 3.

Smith chose to bat, and when play finally got underway, Worcestershire were in early bother at 29 for 2 after Daryl Tuffey took two wickets in four balls. However, Smith came to the rescue, and put on a stand of 69 with Graeme Hick, who scored 36, and an unbroken partnership of 65 with Kadeer Ali, who was 26 not out.

For New Zealand, Shane Bond, who is on his way back from a back injury, bowled only nine overs, for 38 runs. It was Tuffey who impressed, though, making the first breakthrough when Stephen Moore was caught behind driving, and then Stephen Peters, spooned a simple catch to Mark Richardson at midwicket.

Daniel Vettori then removed Hick later in the day when Bond clung on to an difficult chance at mid-off. However, Smith and Ali played out till bad light forced an early finish.