It was a fairytale ending for the team that traveled the longest distance to play the MRF Buchi Babu Trophy 2001.

Matthew Bell led the New Zealand 'A' team to triumph on Thursday the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Although unable to win the three-day match outright, the New Zealand 'A' team were crowned champions by virtue of a first innings lead. Having amassed 486/7, declared the Kiwis dismissed the Cricket Association of Bengal XI for a mere 214.

It was a display of all-round strength that the tournament organisers would be proud of. With the bat there were strong performances from Mark Richardson, Lou Vincent and Hamish Marshall who all made centuries. With the ball it was big man Jacob Oram who triggered the CAB XI demise, scalping three top-order wickets. On the final day, however, it was leg-spinner Brooke Walker, who stole the show, picking four wickets in just 7.5 overs.

CAB XI began the day on a disastrous 74/5. There was really nothing they could do to prevent a New Zealand victory. Sanjeev Sanyal (73 runs, 110 mins, 77 balls, 13 fours) delayed the inevitable, but could do nothing to boost the morale of his team. When Walker claimed the wicket of SS Paul with the CAB XI score on 214, it was all over.

The New Zealand 'A' side got some more batting practice in, notching up 90/3 in 31 overs. Having not enforced the follow on, Matthew Horne (46 not out) managed to spend some time out in the middle.

© CricInfo