Hamilton's burst leads CD to 200-run win

Lance Hamilton's burst helped Central Districts crush Otago by 200 runs in Invercargill, cricket's southernmost venue. After posting 264 for 5 in their innings, Central Districts routed Otago for 64 to wrap up the match in quick time.

CD's innings had been dominated by Craig Spearman (94), who continued in the rich vein of form that he displayed in the last few matches. It wasn't a typically rampant innings - he smacked only eight fours - but it proved to be the crucial knock that anchored them to a commanding score. Spearman strung together some vital partnerships: 43 with Jamie How, 83 with Mathew Sinclair and 61 with Jarrod Englefield (60). After Spearman's dismissal, Englefield and Glen Sulzberger blasted 69 off the last six overs, and propelled the score past the 250-mark. Jeff Wilson, back on home turf, was the most effective Otago bowler with 3 for 47.

Then began a rout that at one stage looked like seeing Otago being bowled out for the lowest score in a one-day match in New Zealand - the dubious distinction was achieved when Pakistan were skittled out for 48 in 1988-89 against Auckland. It looked a real prospect when they were reduced to 23 for 7 and then 41 for 8 before Bradley Scott ensured that they went past the 50-mark. Otago were eventually dismissed for 64, equalling their own lowest score in domestic one-day competetions. The previous instance was in 1984-85 against Wellington at Alexandra.

Lance Hamilton tore through the batting line-up with 5 for 19 and considering his five no-balls and three wides, he could have ended up with even better figures. Brett Hefford also prospered and ended with 3 for 21.

Auckland, who have dominated the four-day version, finally tasted success in the one-day format with a thrilling eight-run win against Canterbury. Nathan Astle threatened to take Canterbury home with a fine 93 but his dismissal, when Canterbury needed 17 off 12 balls, tilted the scales as Paul Hitchcock and Kyle Mills helped Auckland pull off the win.

Earlier, Auckland, who had been inserted in damp conditions, made 208 thanks to an 84-run stand between Rob Nicol and Tama Canning, with both producing half-centuries. Hitchcock's breezy 24 not out, off 14 balls, lifted them to a defendable total. For Canterbury, Hayden Shaw was the most successful bowler with 3 for 31.

Astle lead the run chase in a controlled manner despite losing partners at regular intervals. He received some useful support from Shanan Stewart (29) as Canterbury appeared to have things under control. But Astle's dismissal proved decisive and Canterbury couldn't find the players to launch an assault when it mattered.