Cricket: Auckland ease past Wellington

Michael Bates was the pick of the Auckland bowlers. Photo / Getty

Auckland have all but ended Wellington's defence of their domestic 50-over cricket crown.

The Aces comfortably beat the Firebirds by four wickets during their encounter at the Basin Reserve in the capital today as Wellington slumped to their fifth loss in six games.

With the win, Auckland surged to the top of the table and look on track for a playoff berth at the end of the month, while Wellington would need a minor miracle of results falling their way plus wins from their final two games to have any hope of earning a spot in the finals.

Wellington won the toss and decided to bat in overcast and windy conditions and their innings never really got going as they were unable to put together a meaningful partnership. No 6 Alecz Day top-scored with an unbeaten 61 as Wellington made 208-7 from their 50 overs.

Auckland seamer Michael Bates was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors as he picked up 3-20 from 10 overs.

Wellington's batting line-up looked thinner without Black Caps all-rounder Grant Elliott following his surprise recall to the national set-up for the ongoing series against Sri Lanka and next month's World Cup.

Firebirds skipper James Franklin said after Saturday's win over Otago that Elliott's loss would be tough for Wellington to overcome given the veteran had contributed 193 runs in four games this season at an average of 48.25 with a strike rate of 101.

"It obviously hurts us because we've lost a key member of our limited-overs teams," Franklin said. "He's been performing beautifully for us throughout the season in white-ball cricket."

Elliott also provided Wellington with steady medium pace, while they're down another bowler as Franklin has been unable to wheel down any overs of late due to injury.
"I'm standing out there fielding, wishing I could help out bowling but my injury at the moment just doesn't allow me to do it," Franklin said.

Wellington were light on bowling options as they tried to restrict Auckland's run chase and even the in-form Brent Arnel (3-33) couldn't put the brakes on a steady Aces outfit who eventually knocked the target off in the 40th over.

They started well as Brad Cachopa (32) and Rob Nicol (22) made useful contributions before Craig Cachopa (44) and Colin Munro (65 not out) put on 90 for the third wicket to help their chase.

Wellington's next outing will come against Canterbury in Wellington on Sunday, while Auckland will host Northern Districts at Eden Park No 2 on the same day, although they may be without Nicol who retired hurt after he hit a ball in to his foot while batting against Wellington and suffered a fracture.