Broom and Hopkins star in Otago's win

A quickfire 87 from Neil Broom propelled Otago to a five-wicket victory with nine balls to spare against Central Districts at Fitzherbert Park. Earlier, aggressive half-centuries from Jacob Oram and Brendon Diamanti spurred Central to 275 for 7 off 50 overs.

Chasing a stiff target, Otago lost opener Jordan Sheed for 19. Craig Cumming, the captain, held the fort with 46 but two quick wickets reduced them to 91 for 3 in the 20th over. Broom and Greg Todd added 83 for the fourth wicket to put the chase back on track. Broom's 87 came off just 84 balls and included five fours and three sixes.

Otago needed 102 runs off the final 15 overs when Gareth Hopkins began his blitz. He slammed four fours and three sixes and raced to 56 off 39 balls to seal the victory. Oram was the best of Central's bowlers with 2 for 44 off 9.3 overs.

Central, who won the toss, had slipped 116 for 4 in the 20th over with only Geoff Barnett making a meaningful contribution. Oram and Diamanti provided the innings with momentum through a rapid 89-run partnership in just 10.1 overs. Oram remained unbeaten on 70 off 69 balls while Diamanti hammered 60 off 35 deliveries with three fours and four sixes.