A late declaration set up an intriguing final day but Auckland will be confident of securing victory and taking top spot in Plunket Shield standings.
Northern Districts, leaders heading into the fourth round, will be chasing 354 when play resumes this morning at Colin Maiden Park, needing at least adraw to remain ahead of the home side. But given the Knights were dismissed for 212 in their first turn with the bat, the odds will be firmly in Auckland's favour.
Having wrapped up the tail with minimal fuss yesterday, Auckland's batsmen set about building an insurmountable target. A patient 78 from opener Jeet Raval held them in good stead but ND, led by James Baker (4-53), took regular wickets to leave themselves with a chance when Michael Bates declared on 209-8.
At the Basin Reserve, Canterbury are closing in on a comfortable win over Wellington, with the home side heading into the final day ahead by 112 but with only three wickets in hand.
Andrew Ellis was eventually dismissed for 171 on the third day as Canterbury compiled 356, before Matt Henry and Ryan McCone each snared a brace to tear through Wellington's batting order and leave the hosts teetering on 205-7 at stumps.
Play was finally possible on the penultimate day of Central Districts' clash with Otago in Queenstown, with Doug Bracewell (105) using the dry conditions to smash a second first-class century as the Stags were dismissed for 289. Otago will begin day four on 13-0.
