Auckland ease to victory over ND

After Wellington romped to a fourth outright win in four rounds on Thursday, there were only two Plunket Shield matches still going yesterday.

Only one will have a fourth day today, however, after Auckland completed an eight-wicket win over Northern Districts at Seddon Park in Hamilton. That is the match between Otago and Central Districts at University Oval in Dunedin, where a finalday run chase lies in store.

ND v AUCKLAND

Northern Districts resumed at 81-3 in their second innings, with Mitchell Santner and nightwatchman James Baker the not-out batsmen.

Baker didn’t last long before he was caught off the bowling of Ben Lister for four, and while

Santner combined with Tim Seifert for a 70-run stand, Northern were always up against it, after conceding a 167-run first innings lead.

Santner fell on 53 to leave Northern 164-5, and though they edged in front, Seifert (41) and Anton Devcich quickly followed, at which point they were 192-7 - a lead of just 25.

Seamer Matt Mcewan was the star with the ball, taking 6-48 to leave Auckland’s batsman with a target of 72.

Skipper Michael Guptillbunce fell quickly, bowled by Trent Boult, but his cousin, Martin Guptill then took control, smacking 52 off 49 balls. Test opener Jeet Raval also fell, bowled by Scott Kuggeleijn for 12, before Auckland completed the eight-wicket win - their second of the season.

OTAGO v CD

Central Districts’ star-studded batting lineup are likely to be called into action for a fourthday chase.

Resuming at 162-3 in their first innings, Central were eventually dismissed just before tea for 359, still s 154 short of Otago’s first-innings total of 513.

Four of their batsman made 50s, but none passed 57 - a score shared by Greg Hay and Tom Bruce. Jesse Ryder (56) and George Worker (52) were the others, while Will Young (37) and Ross Taylor (34) also chipped in.

Otago then moved through to 161-5 at stumps, scoring at more than five runs per over to extend their lead to 315.

Ahead by 260, and all eyes will now be on skipper Rob Nicol, and when he chooses to declare and set Central a target.

Seeing as Wellington are running away with the competition, both teams will be eager for an outright win, so a fascinating final day lies in store. Central certainly have the batsmen to pull off a chase, though Otago’s bowlers are no mugs either.