By Warren Gamble
Taupo will not be left in the dark for consideration as a future one-day international cricket venue despite the lighting failure and other glitches which spoiled its debut at the weekend.
New Zealand Cricket said the blackout that led to the shortening of the New Zealand-India match on Saturday was "just a freak thing" which happened around the world.
In other hiccups the electronic scoreboard failed early in the game, leaving only television coverage, traffic jams outside the ground frustrated fans, and when the lighting was working the two captains said it needed boosting.
But New Zealand Cricket's general manager, Tim Murdoch, said that while the problems were unfortunate there were many positives, including a superb pitch, a well-behaved crowd of 11,000 and a good atmosphere.
"If we get a tour next year at the same time Taupo would have a good chance of getting another game," he said.
Electrical overloading at the ground was blamed for the lighting failure at 9 pm as New Zealand were progressing smoothly in their run chase.
After initially suspecting a fault in the wider network, an engineer pinpointed it at the venue. Power was restored 50 minutes later, leaving the Kiwis with a reduced target, which they eventually achieved.
After the match, Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin said the lighting was not sufficient. Another one or two lighting towers were needed, but he made allowances for it being the ground's first international match.
New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said the lighting was adequate, but more was required. Both men, however, praised the pitch and the ground generally.
The Mayor of Taupo, Joan Williamson, said the lighting failure was a "damn nuisance," particularly given the amount of work put into making the game a success.
The council had upgraded the lighting it bought from the Avondale Racecourse, but would consider the comments of the two captains and officials.
It would also look at ways to improve access to the ground after fans were delayed more than half-an-hour in traffic queues.
Mrs Williamson said the crowd size and behaviour justified New Zealand Cricket's faith in the venue.
Generally, the match had been good for the profile and health of the district.
"Overall it was a great day, a great crowd, and I think it shows small provincial towns can provide venues for games of this sort."
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