AFP, Dunedin :
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum insisted his team have batting improvements to make ahead of their next World Cup duel against England after labouring to a three-wicket win over Scotland on Tuesday.
The Black Caps reached their 143-run target with more than half their overs left but lost seven wickets in the process against a team who were the 14th and last country to qualify for the World Cup.
New Zealand’s late struggles at Dunedin’s University Oval were in stark contrast to the start of the Pool A match when Scotland were reduced to 12 for four, with seamers Trent Boult and Tim Southee taking two wickets each.
“It was a really good performance with the ball-with the bat, we showed glimpses but we have to improve,” said McCullum, whose side face England in Christchurch on Monday.
“England will be a challenge-they’re hurting (after losing by 111 runs to Australia), they’ll be tough to beat and we’ll have to play incredibly well.”
McCullum praised Scotland who posted a relatively decent total of 142 after their early slump, with Matt Machan (56) and Richie Berrington (50) putting on 97 for the fifth wicket.
