Auckland suffer overwhelming defeat

Normal service resumed for Auckland as they slumped to an embarrassing loss against Central Districts at Trafalgar Park. Buoyed by its surprise victory, albeit assisted by Duckworth-Lewis, in midweek against Northern it appeared Auckland had finally found its way in the one-day game. In a rain-shortened game Central dominated. Jamie How and Ross Taylor tore the attack apart with 87 and 84 not out respectively as Central posted 225 for 4 in 42 overs. Michael Mason (3 for 14 from seven overs) then took the top off the Auckland order as they crashed to 106 for 9 in 28.2 overs. The injured Kerry Walmsley did not bat. Mayu Pasupati (31) and Rob Nicol (28) provided more than half Auckland's runs.