The Hindu : Sport : Pietersen rescues England

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Saturday, Mar 17, 2007
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Pietersen rescues England

SWEEPING SUCCESS: Kevin Pietersen steadied the England innings with a half-century against New Zealand on Friday. — PHOTO: AP

St. Lucia: Kevin Pietersen led the England recovery against New Zealand in the vital Group `C' match of the ICC World Cup here on Friday. England, reduced to 52 for three, progressed to 130 for three in 34 overs. Pietersen (57, 85b, 4x4, 1x6) and the efficient Paul Collingwood (30) were together.

Pietersen was fluent and pro-active. He charged Jacob Oram to disrupt the paceman's length. The right-hander then danced down to send off-spinner Jeeten Patel over the long-on fence.

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming inserted England on a largely brown surface, save a few patches of grass. Left-armer James Franklin struck in the first over, getting southpaw Ed Joyce to edge to wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum.

England skipper Michael Vaughan, however, appeared assured in the middle. The opener timed his strokes well, none better than the straight-drive off Franklin.

Kiwi spearhead Shane Bond operated at a reduced pace, but was on target. His opening spell of 6-1-10-0 created the pressure.

Vaughan and Ian Bell (5) were gradually building a partnership — the two had added 25 for the second wicket — when Oram struck. Bell succumbed to a delivery that left him. Oram used his height to extract additional bounce.

SCOREBOARD

England: E. Joyce c McCullum b Franklin 0, M. Vaughan b Franklin 26, I. Bell c McCullum b Oram 5, K. Pietersen c Franklin b Bond 60, P. Collingwood c McCullum b Styris 31, A. Flintoff c Styris b Bond 0, J. Dalrymple c McCullum b Styris 3, P. Nixon (not out) 42, L. Plunkett (not out) 29; Extras (lb-2, w-4, nb-7) 13. Total (for seven in 50 overs) 209.

Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-30, 3-52, 4-133, 5-133, 6-134, 7-138.

New Zealand bowling: Franklin 9-0-43-2, Bond 10-1-19-2, Oram 6-0-25-1, Patel 8-0-42-0, Vettori 10-0-53-0, Styris 7-0-25-2.

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