Scotland's cricketers suffered a heartbreaking defeat to an experienced New Zealand XI as they lost out by just a single run.

Grant Bradburn's side took on a strong Black Caps side - featuring Test figures such as Brendon McCullum, Martin Guptill and Dean Brownlie - in their 50-over clash at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, near Christchurch.

It was the sternest test of their seven-match tour of Australia and New Zealand, yet they only just failed to claim a remarkable win.

The Kiwis batted well to finish on 263 as they were bowled out with the final ball of the innings. Cory Anderson (53) and McCullum (52) did most of the damage.

Despite losing opener Kyle Coetzer in the first over of their reply, Scotland battled on to move within range of the hosts' tally.

Matt Machan hit an impressive 83, supplemented by Hamish Gardiner's 54 and a similarly handy 56 from Freddie Coleman.

The tourists, however, were relying on their final partnership of Alasdair Evans and Majid Haq to see them safely through the final over - needing seven runs to claim an impressive victory.

But with just two runs needed off the final ball, Evans was run out by McCullum despite making a desperate dive for the line.

Former New Zealand international Bradburn was full of praise for his Scotland side.

He said: "This performance was built upon an outstanding bowling effort which saw our bowling unit put in the best performance of the season. We captured key wickets throughout the mid innings which always required the opposition to rebuild from.

"Our side now know they have the skills and capabilities to compete and put themselves into winning positions against top quality opposition.

"The performance will give our team massive confidence going into the ICC Cricket World Cup knowing that on our day we have the skills to beat top sides like New Zealand.

"The opposition required some luck and pieces of brilliance in the field to get over the line."