Cricket: Crowe hits high note

MARTIN CROWE, the New Zealand captain, scored an unbeaten 91 to lead his country to their first victory over Australia in their five-match one-day series in Wellington yesterday. New Zealand won by 88 runs but trail 2-1 in the series.

Crowe's innings against Australia's spin attack steered New Zealand to 214 in their 50 overs before the tourists collapsed to 126 all out against New Zealand's medium pace attack led by Gavin Larsen, who took 3 for 17. Only the Australian opener, Mark Taylor, who scored 50, made an impression on a wicket of variable bounce and seam.

Earlier, Crowe, limping from an old knee injury, gradually took control, smashing the Australian captain, Allan Border, for two sixes and a four in one over.

ONE-DAY INTERNATIONAL (Wellington, NZ): New Zealand 214 (50 overs) (M D Crowe 91no); Australia 126 (37.2 overs) (M A Taylor 50). New Zealand won by 88 runs. (Australia lead five-match series 2-1).