Cricket: Auckland likely to pursue quick runs against Otago

Anaru Kitchen top scored for Auckland with 63. Photo / Dean Purcell

Auckland have an intriguing final day in front of them at Dunedin's University Oval today.

The Plunket Shield co-leaders will resume their second innings on 178 for three, holding an overall lead of 153 with seven wickets standing against Otago, who pressed on to 360-8 declared, a first innings advantage of 25.

Opener Jeet Raval went early and, at 125-3, with leading scorer Anaru Kitchen gone for 63, Auckland needed to consolidate.

With captain Rob Nicol retiring hurt, it came from Robbie O'Donnell and Donovan Grobbelaar who had put on an unbroken 53 in more than an hour-and-a-half together.

Joint leaders Northern Districts are in trouble going into the final day of their match against Canterbury at Hagley Oval. Having been left 486 to win, ND will start today at 48-5.

ODI seamer Matt Henry and Ed Nuttall did the damage for Canterbury, sharing all five wickets, which fell for only 30 runs.

Earlier Canterbury veteran Peter Fulton completed the 17th first-class hundred of his career, and third this season, making an unbeaten 123 as Canterbury piled on 338-6 declared.

Wellington pulled off a three-wicket win over Central Districts at New Plymouth yesterday. Having started the day on 48-1, chasing 240 for victory, Wellington completed the job for the loss of seven wickets.