Fleming praises opening bowlers

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming praised his opening bowlers for winning the one-day triangular series match against India on Friday.

His side defended 211 to secure an 84-run victory as India were bowled out for 127 after they had been reduced to 50 for five by New Zealand's front line bowlers.

"The opening bowlers were fantastic. They won the match for us," Fleming said.

"We thought 211 may be a little short but the wicket was tough. We knew it may not be easy to score runs. The ball was not coming on to the bat and hitting boundaries was really tough."

Dion Nash was the pick of the Kiwi bowlers after taking three wickets for 13 from six overs after a year-long injury.

"It's great to win on a comeback game," Nash said. "My job was made easier by the opening bowlers. They got the Indians under pressure and I built on that backed by some good fielding."

New Zealand lost to Sri Lanka on Wednesday in the opening match but Fleming was happier with Friday's batting effort.

"We didn't get too many runs but we kept things in control by not losing too many wickets early," he said.

Man-of-the-match Nathan Astle scored 117 for his 10th one-day hundred.

Mail Cricket Editor