A New Zealand XI scraped to a one-run win over Scotland on Wednesday in a tense one-day match at Lincoln.

Captain Brendon McCullum ran out Scottish No.11 Alasdair Evans off the final ball to leave the tourists stranded on 262 all out off 50 overs.

It looked like they would run down the hosts’ 263 for much of the chase, even midway through the final over bowled by Mitchell McClenaghan when they needed just two runs off the the last three balls.

However, Evans was kept scoreless and could only dig out a yorker off the final ball which was pounced on by McCullum at short cover.

It was a rusty performance in cold conditions from the New Zealand XI, comprising established Black Caps and a number of fringe World Cup contenders preparing for three one-day internationals against South Africa starting in Mt Maunganui on Tuesday.

They play a second warm-up game on Saturday in Hamilton against Ireland, who are also in New Zealand as preparation for the World Cup starting in February.

The home side were rescued by a last-wicket stand of 55 between Kyle Mills (33) and Matt Henry (21 not out).

The specialist batsmen largely stuttered, with quick half-centuries from McCullum (52 off 44 balls) and Corey Anderson (53 off 47) providing some vitality after opener Tom Latham reached a solid 39.

Allrounder Anderson also returned the best bowling figures, taking four lower-order wickets for 47.

Mills bagged two scalps while veteran left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori made a welcome return to the international stage, bowling 10 overs without apparent discomfort.

Former captain Vettori hasn’t played for New Zealand for nearly 18 months due to injuries but his economical 0-43 was encouraging as he pushes for a World Cup spot.

Scotland’s four-game visit continues with a match against Canterbury in Christchurch on Friday.