ICC World First Class League Round-Ups:
Premier League:
There were runs galore to be had at the various matches in this weeks first round ties: New Zealand's Kane Willamson scored a wonderful dubble century in his sides comprehensive victory over Pakistan at Wellington. Dougie Bracewells five for 65 ensured the points went home with the Kiwi's. Pakistan have little to cheer about. New Zealand win by 311 runs. MOM: K.Williamson, New Zealand
Not to be outdone in the batting department South African Duminy schorched 228 in a fast paced game against Bangladesh. One would have thought 541 would have been more than enough for the Saffers but Bangladesh showed they were not going to be a pushover in this league and battle for a well-earned draw at The Wanderers with a great effort by Iqbal, Haque and Hasan over their two batting innings. Bangladesh will take a lot of confidence from this game while South africa's bowling unit looked decidely blunt and will need to heed the wake up call the Tigers have given them. Match drawn. MOM: J Duminy, South Africa
Sri Lanka were simply too good for England on a typical dry and spinning pitch. Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad saved the England blushes in the first innings but Gunathllaka and Mendes batted the England camp out of the match and deservedly took the points home. A small sliver of light for the English will be the fine spell that Rashid had which saw him amongst the wickets after a drought. Sri Lanka win by 225 runs. MOM: R.Herath, Sri Lank.
India showed no mercy over a West Indies side that failed to make better use of home advantage on a fast and bouncy pitch. They constantly overcooked the short ball stuff and were duly punished by an Indian side that made its intent clear by playing an aggressive counter-punching game. Raina's controlled but aggressive 175 not out was a joy to see and Kohli and Sharma brought the Indians home in style. West Indies will need to up their game if they want to have more than just a wooden spoon at the end of the season. India win by nine wickets. MOM: S Raina, India
Many predicted a David and Goliath type of confrontation; this time the story was re-written: some giants are just to big and Australia proved the case in a well earned win over Zimbabwe. To be fair Zimbabwe was no push over an offered resistance, especially in the first innings. But their second innings collapse after a good start left them only holding onto what might have been. Australia are not firing yet on all cylinders but it would be a brave man who bet against them finishing amongst the top crowd at the end of the season. Australia win by 139 runs. MOM: M.Starc, Australia