Cricket: Aucklanders choke ND at the death

Corey Anderson. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Cachopa and O’Donnell build competitive total which the Aces leave late to defend

Auckland can't stop winning limited-overs cricket matches. After winning the T20 title and claiming their opening match of the Ford Trophy season, Auckland yesterday made it two-from-two with a nervy victory over Northern Districts in Hamilton.

After being sent in at Seddon Park, Brad Cachopa (93) and Robbie O'Donnell (78) combined to steer Auckland to a competitive total of 278-8, sharing a 130-run stand to anchor the innings.

But Auckland appeared in significant danger midway through the home side's chase, as Daniel Flynn recovered from the opening-over loss of partner Dean Brownlie to post 65 from 56 balls.

Flynn received able assistance from Corey Anderson, who appeared intent on celebrating his Black Caps recall with a match-winning innings.

But after guiding his side to within 34 runs of their target, Anderson fell for 88 as Lachie Ferguson took the crucial wicket.

ND still had 25 balls to overhaul Auckland but that dream died in the penultimate over as a pair of wickets fell to eventually leave the hosts 11 runs short.

Elsewhere, Canterbury joined Auckland atop the standings, claiming their second victory courtesy of a formidable all-round bowling effort against Otago.

Having been sent in at Molyneux Park in Alexandra, Peter Fulton (81) was the only Canterbury batsman to enjoy a significant stay at the crease in what appeared a slightly-insufficient total of 228.

But that target loomed a lot larger as early as the second over when both openers were dismissed for ducks, as Anaru Kitchen was caught behind from the bowling of Ed Nuttall and Michael Bracewell was run out by Leo Carter.

Otago never recovered from falling to 0-2 as six Canterbury bowlers shared the wickets to dismiss their hosts for 163.

At the Basin Reserve, a century from George Worker helped Central Districts bounce back from their first-round loss and earn a 32-run victory over Wellington. Worker, having dropped out of the Black Caps' squad for the final ODIs against Sri Lanka, opened the innings and smashed 114 from 120 balls as CD were dismissed in the 45th over for 241.