Cricket: Stags face big target to avoid home loss

CD batsman Tom Bruce goes for loose change as ND bowler Scott Kuggeleijn celebrates his wicket, caught Tim Seifert. Photo / Duncan Brown

Is it a hangover from the one-day Ford Trophy victory last weekend?

That may well be the case but Devon Hotel Central Districts Stags coach Heinrich Malan isn't about to buy into any excuses as his troops try to avoid another defeat in the Budget Rental Plunket Shield match in Napier today.

"We just need to be a little bit more aware of four-day cricket and execute it better," was Malan's verdict after a frank discussion in the changing rooms of McLean Park yesterday as the hosts chase an improbable 410 with eight wickets in hand on the final day against Sky City Northern Districts Knights.

Needing to assert themselves after skittling the Knights for 268 on day one, the William Young-captained Stags batsmen didn't repay the faith of their bowlers as they fell 12 runs shy in their first dig.

Only Greg Hay in the top order showed some intent with 43, before wicketkeeper Dane Cleaver saved the blushes with an unbeaten 66 at No7 - his highest shield knock - and No9 Seth Rance chimed in with 52.

All the talk was about Tim Southee but first-change seamer Scott Kuggeleijn took four scalps, after new-ball merchant James Baker had tightened the screws, then spinner Ish Sodhi mopped up the tail before answering the Black Caps' SOS to be on standby for today's final ODI in Hamilton.

In their second innings, the visitors were two wickets down at stumps but returned yesterday with nightwatchman Sodhi scoring 66 runs as Bharat Popli carved up his second first-class ton of 133 from 191 balls, including 15 boundaries, at No5.

No7 Daryl Mitchell joined the party with 100 not out - his fourth century in the format - from 119 balls, including eight fours and four sixes.

ND captain Daniel Flynn declared at 7-425, a ball shy of 99 overs.

"We didn't come out in glory," Malan said but he was satisfied his players would learn from their change of fortunes based on intent and attitude.

"The key thing is we have to look after the little things."

That today is tantamount to grafting their way to the first drinks break, lunch, second drinks break and tea.

"We have to do it in small pockets and if we're in a good position then we'll see where we are," he said when asked if CD would push for an outright win.

Sodhi's absence would help CD's cause but won't bother the ND side, who have other quality players in the mix.