Neesham stars for NZ in first match on comeback trail

Allrounder Jimmy Neesham has made an impressive return to the Black Caps, helping them to a comfortable warmup win on their tour of Africa.

Ahead of the opening one-day international with Zimbabwe this weekend, New Zealand beat the North West Cricket Club by 75 runs in a 35-overs match at Potchefstroom yesterday.

Neesham hasn’t played for New Zealand since the Wellington test against Sri Lanka in January.

But he hit an unbeaten 54 as the Black Caps hit 201-4 and then took 2-22 with the ball as the hosts were restricted to 128-5, giving New Zea- land a win by 73 runs.

Neesham was thrilled to not just come through unscathed, but also contribute to a solid tour opener.

‘‘It has been a really rough six months trying to deal with the injury and trying to get back,’’ Neesham said.

‘‘It’s hugely pleasing, first of all to come back into the squad after a fairly long absence. It’s very pleasing to go out and have good performance personally but to have the team gel.

‘‘My back handled the batting well. I got a few out of the middle and then got through three overs of reasonable work with the ball.’’

New Zealand retired Neesham, Tom Latham (60* from 39 balls), and debutant George Worker (26* from 11 balls) to give other batsmen an opportunity.

Kane Williamson hit 44 from 35 balls to show his form.

Latham and Williamson set up a big score with an attacking opening stand of 85.

Latham, who is likely to join Martin Guptill in the opening pair for the upcoming ODI series, delivered at the top with six fours and a six.

Worker (1-13), Ben Wheeler (1-14) and leg spinner Ish Sodhi (1-20) were also among the wickets in a solid New Zealand bowling effort that also saw speedster Adam Milne get through four overs, appearing for the first time since being ruled out of the World Cup with a heel injury. The Black Caps first ODI against Zimbabwe is in Harare on August 2.