A man of the match effort by captain Will Young was just the ticket for New Zealand as it overcame qualifiers Scotland by 39 runs at John Blanck Oval. Scotland captain Paddy Saddler won the toss and invited New Zealand to bat.

With New Zealand openers Joe Carter (12, 20b, 2x4) and Michael Davidson (20, 49b, 3x4) back in the sheds at the score of 61 for two, Saddler would have felt somewhat vindicated by his call.

But his NZ counterpart had other ideas, and forged a match-deciding 115 (111b, 5x4, 3x6) to steer his side to 247 for nine after the 50 overs.

Young, who has played four-first class matches for Central Districts, and Robert O'Donnell (50, 75b, 3x4) were solid against the willing Scottish attack, led by right-arm medium-pacer Ruaidhri Smith, who finished three for 34 from 10 overs with two maidens.

Scotland mounted a gallant challenge, with Freddy Coleman (65, 80b, 5x4, 1x6) impressive but they fell short by 39 runs after dismissed for 208 in the 47th over.

New Zealand seamer Connor Neynens caught the eye with three for 24 from10 overs, including one maiden.