Cricket: Quick-fire Fleming sends Welly to victory

A forthright half-century from New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming carried Wellington to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Northern Districts in a State Championship match at the Basin Reserve yesterday.

Fleming crafted an unbeaten 80 off just 66 balls as Wellington knocked off the 159 runs required in less than 37 overs before tea on the third day of the four-day fixture.

The left-hander helped himself to 10 fours and three sixes to make short work of a modest target set by Northern Districts, who were dismissed for 195 in their second innings after resuming this morning on 142 for seven.

Allrounder Joseph Yovich was left stranded on 57, while Wellington left-arm swing bowler James Franklin collected five for 48 off 16 overs, giving him an outstanding match analysis of 10 for 71.

A maiden first-class century by Greg Todd lifted Otago to respectability on the opening day of the State Championship match against Canterbury yesterday.

Recalled Black Caps allrounder Jeff Wilson did little to trouble the scorers, being dismissed by Stephen Cunis for four.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY