Grand final for Firebirds

Cricket: Defending champion the Wellington Firebirds have booked themselves a home grand final in the Super Smash .

The Firebirds walloped the Central Stags by eight wickets at the Basin Reserve yesterday after a whirlwind batting performance from Wellington opener Finn Allen enabled the home side to overcome the Stags’ total of 165. The 21yearold reached his halfcentury from just 16 deliveries on his way to 66 from 26.

Earlier, the Wellington Blaze leapfrogged Canterbury to go to the top of the women’s Super Smash ladder after beating the Central Hinds by 37 runs.

The Blaze set a target of 163 from its 20 overs, White Ferns Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr scoring 88 and 38 respectively. — RNZ four of the first test at the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday.

The 34yearold claimed the final four wickets to fall, taking his tally to seven in the test, as the touring side was dismissed for 245, which set Pakistan a modest victory target of 88.

The home side had a wobble when Anrich Nortje removed two batsmen in one over, but skipper Babar Azam (30) and Azhar Ali (31 not out) eased their side to a comprehensive victory. — Reuters deferred,’’ NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said.

‘‘They will remain in isolation in Adelaide until they can meet their travel requirements.’’ — AAP