Canty aced by Chapman
Mark Chapman’s maiden T20 century has propelled Auckland to the top of the Super Smash standings.
The Hong Kong international – who is also eligible to play for the Black Caps – smashed 101 off 58 balls to help his side score 168-5 against Canterbury at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Monday afternoon.
Canterbury’s chase looked like it might get up at various points through the innings, but consistent wickets meant they fell seven runs short.
Auckland’s innings got off to a slow start with Canterbury spinners Jeremy Benton and Cole McConchie keeping things tight.
But Chapman strode to the crease in the fifth over and, after a steady start, set about dispatching the Canterbury bowlers to all parts.
He smashed six sixes and three fours before bringing up his hundred in the 16th over, but was out next ball when guiding a shot straight to backward point.
Craig Cachopa and Sam Curran both fell victim to Andy Ellis in the space of three balls at the end of the 18th over as Auckland limped to the end of their innings.
Canterbury’s chase was ticking along adequately as they reached 69-2 in the 10th over, but Chad Bowes (28 off 21) fell at the end of that over to the impressive Tarun Nethula.
Nethula got McConchie caught behind in his next, the 12th, leaving Black Cap Tom Latham as the set batsman. He pushed them through to 123-5 in the 16th over when he was bowled by Ben Lister on 46.
Late hitting from Tim Johnstone and captain Andy Ellis got Canterbury close, needing 24 off the final two overs.
Ellis was out to a sharp diving catch from Sean Solia at the end of the 19th over, essentially ending his side’s charge.
The win lifts Auckland above Wellington into first place on 18 points, while Canterbury are fourth on 12.