Canterbury kept alive their HRV Cup hopes after Dean Brownlie powered his side to victory over Wellington today.
Coming into the contest at Hagley Oval, both sides needed a win to remain realistic contenders to finish in the top three playoff positions.
While Wellington, having completed their 10 games, are now left relying on other results, Canterbury have Brownlie to thank for keeping their fate in their own hands. The Wizards sit level with Wellington in third spot and will be assured of qualifying with a win over Northern Districts on Tuesday.
After James Franklin won the toss and elected to bat today, his side's innings never got off the ground as Rob Nicol removed both openers in the seventh over. The opening partnership of 47 was Wellington's best, with regular wickets preventing the visitors from finding position to accelerate the scoring.
Franklin chimed in with 43 off 26 balls later in the innings but the Firebirds' total of 154-6 never looked imposing against a heavy-hitting Canterbury lineup.
After Nicol went cheaply in the second over, Canterbury cruised their way to the target for the loss of two wickets and with more than five overs to spare.
George Worker and Brownlie combined for a 119-run stand for the second wicket, recovering from the early setback and winning the match with boundaries.
Brownlie, in particular, seemed in a hurry, perhaps cognisant of the role net run rate could play in a congested table, with five teams still in the running for the finals but none yet certain of their place.
The former Black Cap needed only 36 balls for his 86 runs, with five sixes and 11 fours seeing 74 of his tally coming via the boundary rope. He eventually fell late in the chase but Worker (53no) saw Canterbury home.
