Cricket: Auckland set Otago 341 to win

Tim McIntosh. Photo / Getty Images

A century from Tim McIntosh has helped Auckland set Otago a mammoth total of 341 to earn a spot in the domestic one day final.

McIntosh smashed 161 runs from 138 balls in an innings that included 14 boundaries, five of which were sixes, before the Black Caps test opener fell just four balls before the end of the innings.

After being sent into bat first at Colin Maiden Park Auckland finished on 340 for five helped by an opening stand of 102 between McIntosh and former Black Caps Lou Vincent.

Vincent fell to Craig Cumming for 66 in the 20th over before Jeet Raval joined McIntosh in the middle with the pair adding 85 runs for the second wicket>

Raval eventually was run out for 38 with the score at 187 but some late hitting from Auckland skipper Gareth Hopkins, who struck 47 runs from 35 balls, ensured Auckland passed the 300 mark.

James McMillan was the pick of the Otago bowlers picking up late wickets to finish with 67-2 from his 10 overs.

The winner of today's match will face Canterbury in Sunday's final.

- Herald online