Aces secure home playoff as Bell-Drummond fires
Auckland have landed a psychological blow ahead of next week’s Super Smash playoff with a comfortable win over Central Districts at Eden Park Outer Oval.
The Aces won by eight wickets with almost three overs to spare yesterday to lock up second spot and secure home-ground advantage for the elimination final.
The result lifted Auckland to 28 points, level with leaders Northern Districts, who wrap up the regular season in the late game against Otago.
But with the Knights all-but guaranteed to finish on top due to a superior net run rate and gain direct entry to the final, Auckland and CD are set to return to Eden Park on Friday to determine the other finalist.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, CD posted a respectable 174-9. However, they were let down by their top order.
Opener George Worker led the way with 52, but wickets fell at regular intervals until No 6 batsman Josh Clarkson came to the crease.
Clarkson boosted the total with 42 off just 26 before he was bowled by spinner Ronnie Hira in the 16th over. Hira and fellow spinner Will Somerville were the pick of the Auckland bowlers, taking three and two wickets respectively.
Daniel Bell-Drummond and Mark Chapman then ensured the Aces reached the target with relative ease, courtesy of an 111-run stand.
Bell-Drummond smashed seven fours and four sixes in his 74 off 48 deliveries, while Chapman was unbeaten on 75. His brilliant knock came off just 41 balls and included six boundaries and five sixes.
Black Caps fast bowler Adam Milne, playing his first top-level cricket match in three months, took the only wickets to fall for CD.
Meanwhile, Canterbury ended a disappointing campaign with a seven-wicket victory over Wellington in Christchurch.
The home team recorded just their third win of the season after chasing down Wellington’s target of 133. Opener Chad Bowes starred with bat, blasting 72 off 43 balls.