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Otago open up with high-scoring win against Canterbury

Two fine innings, 85 by Jeff Wilson for Otago and 132 by Michael Papps for Canterbury, dominated a record-breaking first day of the State Shield for both sides at Alexandra

Wisden Cricinfo staff
09-Jan-2004
Otago 292 for 6 beat Canterbury 276 for 8 by 16 runs
Scorecard
Two fine innings, 85 by Jeff Wilson for Otago and 132 by Michael Papps for Canterbury, dominated a record-breaking first day of the State Shield for both sides at Alexandra.
Playing in perfect, hot conditions, Otago batted first and built on a 108-run second-wicket partnership between Gareth Hopkins and Mohammad Wasim. Wilson, the former international rugby player and one-day cricketer, joined Robbie Lawson to put on 146 for the fourth wicket, an Otago one-day record.
Wilson's 85 was scored off 63 balls and included three sixes and eight fours. However, he pulled up with a possible recurrence of the hamstring injury that had sidelined him over recent weeks and he may not be able to play again in the Shield competition. Lawson, meanwhile, hit 59 off 64 balls.
Canterbury started superbly with a record-breaking opening stand of 151 runs between Papps and Shanan Stewart, who scored 59. But in contrast to Otago, who managed several sizeable contributions, Canterbury could only get significant support from Chris Harris, who scored a belated 47 off 38 balls. At one stage Canterbury lost three wickets for six runs, and that effectively undid the good work of the openers.
Brad Scott, while conceding 63 runs, at least had the satisfaction of picking up four wickets as Otago held Canterbury to 276 for 8 at the end of their 50 overs.
The match between Central Districts and Canterbury was abandoned due to rain in New Plymouth.