Cricket: Captain's knock reflects character

Kruger van Wyk

Captain Kruger van Wyk was "pretty shattered and recovering from cramp" so he couldn't make it for a quick chat last night.

Van Wyk didn't need to because his timely unbeaten knock of 114 from 115 balls spoke volumes as he spearheaded the Devon Hotel CD Stags to a four-wicket victory over the Otago Volts, in Dunedin, yesterday.

"Krugs showed his class today, not only pulling us through but also Dane [Cleaver]," CD coach Heinrich Malan said as Van Wyk and Cleaver (74) forged a valuable partnership in the middle order to resurrect the CD run chase of 256 to win after Black Caps seamer Neil Wagner tore the heart out of the visitors' top-order batsmen at the University Oval.

"It was exceptional. One of the best we've seen. Howser [Jamie How] and Barney [Kieran Noema-Barnett] mentioned that in the changing rooms and Krugs deserves that," Malan said of the veteran wicketkeeper who carved up 16 boundaries for his maiden List A century, eclipsing his previous best score of 90 in the 50-over domestic competition.

The victory ensured the Stags kept their perch on the top rung of the table and home playoff chances alive with just one round of gamers to go.

Malan wasn't happy with CD's bowling effort on a moving wicket that presented a tinge of green.

CD seamer Andrew Mathieson was expensive in his 4-59 haul while Wagner claimed 4-32, including three maidens.

Malan said Wagner missed out on the World Cup but showed his quality, something young CD players would have appreciated.

Five top-order CD batsmen have got tons in the 50-over competition this summer.

Malan said the Stags showed character against an Otago side who fielded six Black Caps.