New Zealand easily beat the Netherlands by seven wickets in their first ODI. After Friday's T20I was rained off without a ball being bowled, the weather was kinder at the Bay Oval in Tauranga for the first ODI between New Zealand and the Netherlands.
The Dutch won the toss against a New Zealand side that, despite missing some big names to IPL, still featured several key players.
And that was evident in the opening overs as the Dutch slumped to 45/5, with all their top order back in the pavilion. They struggled to cope with the pace and accuracy of the New Zealand quicker bowlers.
Michael Rippon and his captain Pieter Seelar revived the innings with a stand of 80 for the sixth wicket, until Seelar became the third of Blair Tickner’s four victims on the day. Seelar's 43 included three fours.
Along with Logan van Beek and Philippe Boissevain, who scored 14 each, Rippon took New Zealand past 200. He was last put for 67, having hit a six and four fours. For New Zealand, Tickner took 4-50 and Kyle Jamieson 3-45.
Chasing 203, New Zealand suffered an early setback when Martin Guptill fell for just two, but Henry Nicholls and Will Young then came together, and put on 162 for the second wicket at more than a run a ball.
Nicholls finally fell to Rippon for 57, with a six and three fours to his name. Ross Taylor arrived amidst applause in his last series, but was bowled by Rippon for 12.
There was no further blip as Young and Tom Latham saw New Zealand home with seven wickets and more than 11 overs in hand. Young hit a four to seal his hundred and the win.
Brief scores
Netherlands 202 in 49.4 overs (Michael Rippon 67; Blair Tickner 4-50) lost to New Zealand 204/3 in 38.3 overs (Will Young 103*; Michael Rippon 2-32) by 7 wickets with 69 balls to spare. Player of the Match: Will Young.