Firebirds skittle Stags

Knocked off the top of the Plunket Shield ladder, Wellington have a royal chance to reclaim the lead after their seamers ran through the Central Stags’ batting at the Basin Reserve yesterday.

Logan van Beek and Jimmy Neesham snared three wickets apiece after captain Michael Bracewell won an important coin toss, as the Stags were dismissed for 96 in just 36.4 overs.

Led by opener Rachin Ravindra’s 76 not out, the Firebirds were well on top at 175-3 in reply at stumps on day one and looking in great shape to overhaul the Stags, who led by one point after four rounds.

On a familiar day one greentop at the Basin, Neesham (3-17) did the early damage.

Stags spearhead Blair Tickner struck twice in the first over, removing Fraser Colson and dangerman Devon Conway, before Ravindra and Bracewell fought through to add an unbroken 95.

At Eden Park’s Outer Oval, Northern Districts were sent in but took day-one honours on 303-4, thanks to centuries from Henry Cooper and Joe Carter.

In Invercargill, Black Caps seamer Matt Henry hit stride ahead of the ODI series in Australia, snaring a four-wicket bag as Otago were dismissed for 287 after winning the toss.

Third-placed Canterbury were 20-1 at stumps after home skipper Jacob Duffy removed Chad Bowes for 15.

At a glance

At Basin Reserve, Wellington:

(Greg Hay 62; Jimmy Neesham 3-17, Logan van Beek 3-34) v

(Rachin Ravindra 76no, Michael Bracewell 58no; Blair Tickner 2-62). At Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland:

(Joe Carter 116no, Henry Cooper 111; Lockie Ferguson 2-47) v

At Queen’s Park, Invercargill:

(Nathan Smith 78, Michael Rippon 78; Matt Henry 4-88, Fraser Sheat 3-50) v