NZ A 246 all out in 49.2 overs (Martin Guptill 75, Anton Devich 41) beat United Arab Emirates 168 all out in 45 overs (Adam Milne 3-24), Kyle Mills 2-26, Doug Bracewell 2-15) by 78 runs.
New Zealand A have got their tour of the UAE off to a strong start after overcoming the hosts by 78 runs in their One Dayer at the ICC Cricket Academy on Sunday.
Having won the toss, NZ A opted to bat first and posted 246 off 49.2 overs, with Martin Guptill top scoring with 75. In reply UAE never really threatened that total, eventually being dismissed for 168 after 45 overs.
While the strong NZ A squad featuring almost all BLACKCAPS were expected to win, UAE have shown in recent series against Pakistan A and Australia A that they are more than competitive.
However, the NZ A bowling unit were too slick for UAE, with Adam Milne (3-24) particularly impressive in the opening match.
Guptill and Anton Devcich got the visitors off to a strong start with an opening stand of 111 off 18 overs. Unfortunately, while there were a few starts, the middle order failed to capitalise on this start and were reduced to 148-5.
Bits and pieces from throughout the line-up pushed them beyond 200, before an Adam Milne six in the final over got them within a stroke of 250. It was by no means a spectacular total, but was always going to be challenging for UAE.
That challenge quickly grew for UAE when they lost both openers for ducks in the first two overs. Milne and skipper Kyle Mills (2-26) were devastating in the opening overs and were well backed up by the likes of Doug Bracewell (2-15) and Dan Vettori (1-41).
A valiant 89 run sixth wicket partnership gave the UAE a glimmer of hope, but NZ A were just too clinical with the ball, applying constant pressure and regularly creating chances.
Bracewell had the final say of the day, bringing the game to a close with five overs remaining. It concluded what had been a pleasing first hit out for NZ A, who now prepare to face Afghanistan on Tuesday.
