An unbeaten 146 by Duncan Cederman helped to steer Nelson to a thrilling one-wicket first innings victory over Hawkes Bay in their zone two Hawke Cup elimination cricket match in Nelson yesterday.

Chasing 400 for victory, Nelson eventually got home with one wicket and 10 balls to spare, with Cederman appropriately working a single through gully to secure the win.

Following Hawkes Bay's declaration at 399 for nine yesterday, the final afternoon assumed limited-overs proportions as the Nelson batsmen set about their target.