Otago seamer Jacob Duffy runs in to bowl during the
Twenty20 match between Otago and Auckland in Queenstown
today. (Photo by Teaukura Moetaua/Getty Images)
It is not how you start but how you finish in twenty/20
cricket.
Otago recovered from a dreadful start to post 157 for seven
in its HRV Cup game with Auckland in Queenstown.
Ryan ten Doeschate (61 from 37) and Jimmy Neesham (59 out out
from 31) turned the innings around with a 103 run partnership
off just 50 balls.
Even so, Otago's total never looked enough. But Jacob Duffy
and James Fuller bowled brilliantly to restrict Auckland to
144 for nine.
Duffy, in his first full season for the Volts, took four for
21 in an inspired spell.
Fuller did not have the same success in the wicket column but
he was just as instrumental. He nicked out English import
Phil Mustard with the first ball of the innings and Duffy got
rid of dangerman Lou Vincent in his first over.
Colin de Grandhomme whacked 32 off 12 but was run out from a
great throw from Neil Broom and a nice pick up from Nathan
McCullum.
Craig Cachopa hit 43 from 33 deliveries and had his team on
track. But when he got an edge off ten Doeschate's bowling,
the match began to swing Otago's way.
Andre Adams and Kyle Mills were not able to get the 47 runs
required from the last five overs with Fuller and Duffy
returning to the bowling crease to restrict the former
international's scoring opportunities.
Earlier, Otago made a terrible start with Hamish Rutherford
(5) and Aaron Redmond (1) out before the fielding
restrictions had been lifted and with just nine runs on the
board.
Auckland's Michael Bates claimed both wickets with a fine
opening spell which included a rare wicket maiden.
Black Caps all-rounder Nathan McCullum came in at No 4 but
could not get going. He was needlessly run out coming back
for a second which was never on.
Having slumped to 53 for five, ten Doeschate and Neesham
combined in a valuable partnership.
Ten Doeschate had some luck with more than a couple of
boundaries coming via the edge of his bat. But he has played
four innings for Otago and he has made an impact in every
match.
Neesham hit the ball superbly three sixes and six fours in a
sparkling innings.
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