Auckland might have turned in one of the more remarkable form turnarounds to snare the domestic one-day double of the State Shield and Twenty20, but Chris Martin still faces an anxious wait to see if that success is translated into national recognition.
Test quick Martin returned excellent figuresof 3-7 from eight overs as Otago were dismissed for 119 inside 42 overs. Auckland reached the target for the loss of five wickets in the 22nd over.
Martin was supported by international colleague Andre Adams (3-29), Rob Nicol (2-9), with Mayu Pasupati and Paul Hitchcock taking a wicket each.
But it was Martin's day. The injury to Auckland colleague Kyle Mills means there is a vacancy in John Bracewell's World Cup squad. There is a suggestion he and Adams could be fighting for that spot. Both were penetrative but Martin's ability to extract awkward bounce and movement on a lively University oval wicket was the highlight. of the day.
Auckland captain Richard Jones won the toss and his decision to field paid quick dividends as the hosts, seeking their first title in 19 years, slumped to 43 for six in the first 16 overs.
Greg Todd gutsed out a half century and tailenders Bradley Scott and Nathan McCullum scored a pair of 17s.
Auckland were never seriously troubled in reaching the target, even when they lost Paul Hitchcock for eight in the second over.
Lou Vincent (17) and Jones (44) put on a 49-run partnership and Scott Styris hit a run-a-ball 40, including two big sixes, before departing with the scores tied - leaving David Houpapa (6 no) to clinch the match.
Auckland had just one win in the two preceding seasons, making their victory all the more enjoyable.
