WORCESTERSHIRE came close to recording their first victory over a touring side this century as they went down by 15 runs to New Zealand after being challenged to score 246 in 50 overs at New Road.

Spinner Shaaiq Choudhry returned the first five-wicket haul of his senior career before New Zealand declared at 275-9 in their second innings.

Tom Kohler-Cadmore demonstrated his potential with a half- century after rapid knocks from openers Richard Oliver and Daryl Mitchell had set a positive tone to the Worcestershire run chase.

But Worcestershire lost their last six wickets for 22 runs after being 208-4 as the Black Caps claimed the final wicket with 3.4 overs to spare.

Choudhry, on his return to first team action after recovering from a side strain, finished with 5-78 from 18 overs.

A superb 150 from Martin Guptill held the Black Caps innings together before the declaration after they resumed yesterday on 89-2 with Guptill unbeaten on 61 and Ross Taylor 13.

Choudhry struck twice in the space of three deliveries in his second over. Taylor on 29 went for a drive and was caught a mid-on by Tom Fell and then the same combination broke through again when BJ Watling (0) turned the ball into the hands of Fell at leg-slip.

Luke Ronchi (14) struck Choudhry for six over mid-wicket but the bowler had his revenge when wicketkeeper Ben Cox took a smart leg-side catch.

Guptill reached his 100 out of 159- 5 with 12 fours and two sixes.

Kervezee broke through when Mark Craig (9) was caught at short cover with the total on 169-6.

Choudhry continued in the attack after lunch and Matt Henry (30) holed out to Kohler-Cadmore at mid-on. His five-wicket haul was completed when Doug Bracewell (8) perished. Guptill had time to complete his 150 before the declara - tion followed shortly afterwards.

Oliver and Mitchell showed plenty of attacking intent when they launched the Worcestershire in - nings, but spinner Mark Craig’s first delivery accounted for OLiver when was caught at slip.

But Mitchell and new batsman Tom Kohler-Cadmore continued the offensive after tea before Mitch - ell was eventually bowled for 44 after sweeping at Craig with the total 119-2 in the 19th over.

Tom Fell made a useful 30 before he went for an expansive drive and was bowled by Bracewell.

Kohler-Cadmore went to an excellent 50 off 65 balls with a chop for four off Bracewell but he was dismissed for 55 after driving at Wagner and being caught by Ronchi.

Alex Gidman looked in good nick, pulling and twice cover-driving Wagner for boundaries before Alexei Kervezee (5) lofted Bracewell into the hands of mid-off.

It became 215-6 when Ross Whiteley (1) edged Craig to Taylor at slip and two runs later Ben Cox (1) attempted to slog-sweep the same bowler and was caught.

Henry collected his first wicket of the innings when Gidman (31) was caught at square leg by Bracewell at 219-8.

He wrapped up the innings by having Joe Leach (5) caught by keeper Ronchi off a skier and Ed Barnard (4) at first slip.