The way Plunket Shield points are scored this year has been given a dramatic overhaul with teams capable of scoring up to 20 points per game.
An outright win is now worth 12 points and an outright tie six points. But the biggest change is to the way first innings points are awarded. Both teams compete for bonus points which are awarded based on how many wickets or runs are scored in the first 110 overs of each side's first innings.
Batting points are awarded as follows: one point at 250 runs; two points at 300 runs; three points at 350 runs; four points at 400 runs.
Bowling points are awarded as follows: one point for three wickets; two points for five wickets; three points for seven wickets; four points for nine wickets.
So, for example, yesterday Canterbury was 332 for six at the end of the 110th over. That means it earned two batting points while Otago picked up two bowling points. Had Canterbury scored another 18 runs it would have picked up an additional point while Otago needed one more wicket to claim three points.
With teams competing for a maximum of eight points from the first innings and 12 points for an outright win, things could change dramatically on the scoreboard from game to game.
Both teams will score just two points if a game is abandoned. If a match commences with 10 hours or less remaining, then each first innings is automatically forfeited with the teams playing for six points for a win and three points for a tie. Bonus points will not apply.
