Canterbury's unbeaten start to the domestic Twenty20 cricket championship is over after a nail-biting one-run loss to Auckland in Christchurch today.
Auckland go top of the table, ahead of Northern Districts on net run rate, after defending their 155 for six -- just -- at QEII Park Village Green.
Impressive Dutch import Ryan ten Doeschate ended on 51 not out but couldn't manage the boundary needed off the final ball bowled by Michael Bates, squeezing out two as Canterbury reached 154 for five.
Ten Doeschate reached his half century with the shot but was disappointed he couldn't steer his team home after cleverly pacing the run chase, which included a 55-run stand with opener Rob Nicol, who reached 46.
For Auckland, English import Jimmy Adams top-scored with 45 while Colin Munro added late impetus with 33 off 16 balls.
