All-rounders seal victory

Scott Styris and Jacob Oram put on an unbeaten century stand to lead the BLACKCAPS to a six-wicket victory over England in their opening ICC World Cup game at St Lucia’s Beausejour Stadium.

Styris, who made 87 not out, and Oram (63 no) put on 138 as the New Zealanders recovered from an early-innings slump to record an excellent victory and take vital points against the other major nation in their group.

The BLACKCAPS had restricted Michael Vaughan’s side to 209 for seven, Styris taking a couple of wickets alongside opening bowlers Shane Bond (two for 19) and James Franklin (2/45).

Stephen Fleming won his opening toss of the competition after the match was delayed by half-an-hour because of overnight rain and a damp outfield.

Franklin, though, was quick out of the blocks, accounting for Ed Joyce, who clipped the second ball of the match to Brendon McCullum.

Oram claimed Ian Bell (five) and when Franklin took the other opener, Vaughan (26), the score stood on 52 for three.

But Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood caused concern, adding 81 in 20 overs before the Durham all-rounder Collingwood fell to Styris (two for 25).

Bond then enjoyed a crucial over, removing Pietersen for 60 before dispatching Andrew Flintoff first ball.

Styris returned to dismiss his former Middlesex team-mate Jamie Dalrymple (three), McCullum claiming his fourth catch of the innings.

However, Paul Nixon (42) and Liam Plunkett (29) put on 71 in an unbroken eighth-wicket stand to strengthen their team’s position.

England then capitalised early, sinking the BLACKCAPS to 19 for three. Styris and Craig McMillan put on 53 for the fourth wicket, but the latter fell attempting to hit Monty Panesar out of the ground.

But Oram and Styris knuckled down to a record fifth-wicket stand for the BLACKCAPS against England, securing a vital opening victory with nine overs to spare.