Hick's all-round show

PORTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa, Jan 21: Graeme Hick struck 77 as England cruised to a 41-run win over North West in a limited-overs match on Thursday, reports Reuters.

The touring team restricted North West to 223 for eight after scoring 264 for nine from their 50 overs.

Unorthodox medium pacer David Pryke stole the limelight in England's innings, his brisk leg-cutters off the wrong foot earning him figures of five for 34.

England, who elected to bat on a firm pitch and fast outfield, lost their first two wickets for 20 in the opening six overs.

Nasser Hussain was bowled by a delivery from fast bowler Neil Rossouw which straightened to hit off-stump and Nick Knight edged a ball from the same bowler to gully.

Hick, whose 81-ball 77 earned him the man-of-the-match award, and Chris Adams (47) then put on 110 for the third wicket to put England back on track. Craig White followed their efforts by plundering 50 off 37 balls.

However, Pryke undermined some of their good work with an inspired spell of penetrative bowling.

The best of North West's batting came in an opening stand of 71 between Gary Outram and Hendrick de Vos who scored 34 and 30 respectively.

However, they needed 23 overs to put those runs on the board and the innings continued in similar sedate fashion with North West going into the last 10 overs needing 116.