COMMITTED: Northern Districts captain Cory Anderson makes a good stop on day 1 at Bay Oval. PHOTO: JOHN BORREN
COMMITTED: Northern Districts captain Cory Anderson makes a good stop on day 1 at Bay Oval. PHOTO: JOHN BORREN
Northern Districts have worked themselves into a strong position at stumps on day two of the Plunket Shield match at Bay Oval.
Led by a defiant 63 off 200 balls by an out-of-form Bharat Popli, Northern Districts are 252-8, with a lead of 101 over Wellington who managed just 151after batting nearly all day on Wednesday.
Popli, 26, has had a season to forget after his record-breaking exploits last season but the Tauranga local showed plenty of determination to persevere throughout his 261-minute vigil. His 63 included nine boundaries and the long stay at the crease will do wonders for his confidence.
Darren Mitchell was the other main scorer for ND, making 51 and putting on 86 with Popli for the fourth wicket while captain Corey Anderson hit five boundaries and a six in his innings of 34.
An undefeated ninth-wicket partnership of 49 between Ish Sodhi (31*) and Brett Randell (19*) may prove to be highly significant as the game continues, with both batsmen looking comfortable at the crease.
Wellington leg spinner Peter Younghusband was the pick of the Wellington bowlers, taking 4-84 off 27 overs.
With the wicket giving plenty of assistance to the spinners, Northern Districts pair of Sodhi (leg spin) and Joe Walker (off spin) will be looking forward to a long trundle at Bay Oval on day three.
The match continues from 10.30am tomorrow and Friday with free entry.
