Murdoch, Napier set up Wellington win

Wellington opened a four-point lead at the top of the table after beating Northern Districts by 21 runs.

Wellington made the most of some poor fielding by Northern Districts to post a score of 145 for 6 after most of their top order had fallen cheaply. Trent Boult, Scott Kuggeleijn and Jono Boult struck early on to leave Wellington reeling at 36 for 3 in the sixth over. A 90-run fourth-wicket partnership between Stephen Murdoch and James Franklin rescued Wellington. Murdoch had three dropped chances and made the most of them to score a 46-ball 57 with five fours and a six. Franklin also struck three sixes in his knock of 46 from 35 balls.

Northern Districts found themselves in a position similar to Wellington's early in their innings and were struggling at 39 for 4 in the seventh over. A 54-run stand between Scott Styris and Daryl Mitchell helped Northern Districts recover slightly, but after Styris was out for 29, the side lost their next four wickets for seven runs within two overs. Pacer Graham Napier took 3 for 18 in his four overs, while Brent Arnel chipped in with two wickets.