But promising Otago batsman Michael Bracewell had his ticket punched a second time when he was caught at deep square leg on 95 during a Plunket Shield game against Canterbury in Rangiora yesterday.
It is the second time the 20-year-old has had to go through the agony of getting so close to a maiden first-class century, only to fall a few measly runs short of the milestone.
Last summer, in just his second first-class game, Bracewell appeared on track but had a rush of blood on 97. He tried to whack a delivery from spinner Bruce Martin over the long on boundary and was bowled.
This time, it was a bouncer from Ryan McCone that was his undoing. The hard-hitting left-hander was caught in two minds. Instead of swinging hard, he had a half-hearted crack and picked out the fielder, Henry Nicholls.
"I knew the fielder was out there, so if I'd had a proper go at it, I probably would have got it," Bracewell said shortly after.
"One mistake and that was it.
"The anxiety wasn't as bad because I'd been in this situation before, so I don't think it was nerves. I was feeling really good at the crease ... I guess it is just one of those things that happen.
"Hopefully, we don't have to have this conversation again," he added.
Disappointment aside, Bracewell can feel pleased with his first effort this season. His did some wonderful hitting, including 14 fours and two sixes.
He is a well-built young man and hits the ball as hard as anyone in the Otago team. He is also from one of New Zealand's most prolific cricketing families. His uncles, John Bracewell and Brendon Bracewell, both played test cricket for New Zealand. John is also a former Black Caps coach and Brendon's son, Doug Bracewell, made a big impression in his test debut during the recent one-off test against Zimbabwe.
Bracewell's effort helped Otago wrestle back some momentum. The visitors resumed day three on 122 for two chasing Canterbury's first-innings total of 420 for nine declared.
Neil Broom added a further 14 runs to his overnight title before he chased a widish delivery from Andrew Ellis. Rob Nicol took the catch at second slip.
Nathan McCullum's stay at the crease did not last long. He feathered an edge through to the wicketkeeper shortly after Bracewell's demise.
Otago still had work to do at 208 for five and Sam Wells batted beautifully. The left-hander posted his seventh first-class 50 and found a very capable ally in Derek de Boorder. The pair added 85 for the sixth wicket before rain stopped play with Otago 293 for five.
The visitors trail by 127 runs but with 44 overs lost yesterday and 18 the day before, there seems little chance of a result.
That said, Otago needs a further seven runs to score a second batting bonus point. Once the Volts achieve that, they will most likely declare behind in a bid to force a result.
