Cricket: Jesse Ryder records two centuries in Plunket Shield match

Jesse Ryder celebrates his century for CD. Photo / Photosport

Jesse Ryder has marked his comeback from injury with a century in both innings as Central Districts set a tough target for Auckland in their Plunket Shield cricket match in Nelson.

The former Black Cap, returning after a knee complaint, struck an undefeated 106 at a run a ball to go with his earlier knock of 175.

Ryder put on a 161-run partnership with wicketkeeper Dane Cleaver, whose dismissal after skying a catch while trying to add to a quick-fire 88 was followed by CD declaring at 302-5.

That left Auckland to chase 426 for victory and the Aces were 60-2 at stumps on the third day, needing 366 more runs.

Earlier on Wednesday, Wellington completed a second big victory in a row by beating Otago by an innings and 43 runs.

The Volts were dismissed for 142 in their second innings, with paceman Hamish Bennett the main destroyer with 4-30 to make it seven wickets for the match.

The Firebirds are on maximum points after two rounds, having also won their season opener against Auckland by an innings, and that fixture finished inside three days as well.

In Rangiora, Northern Districts will start their chase of a 245-run victory target when play resumes on Thursday.

It was a remarkable turnaround for the visitors, who were stranded at 163-7 in response to Canterbury's 381, but a punishing 116 from Anton Devcich brought them to 339, before their bowlers took over.

Canterbury could only manage 202 all out in their second dig, Sydney-based all-rounder Daniel Sams top-scoring by smacking 88, including six sixes.

- NZN