Papps, Blundell flatten Northen Districts in 176 chase

Blistering half-centuries from Michael Papps and Tom Blundell helped Wellington chase down a 176-run target with an over and nine wickets to spare against Northern Districts in Hamilton. The two batsmen registered their best scores in T20s, and trumped BJ Watling and Corey Anderson, whose half-centuries had propelled Northern Districts to 175 for 2 after they elected to bat at Seddon Park.

Papps, whose unbeaten 59-ball 80 contained seven fours and three sixes, dominated an opening stand of 53 off 5.4 overs with captain Hamish Marshall to set the tone for the chase. After Marshall was caught for 16 off right-arm pacer Daryl Mitchell, Blundell joined Papps for a massive stand. In fact, Blundell took over as the dominant partner, striking at over 160 for his unbeaten 69 off 43 balls. Legspinner Ish Sodhi impressed with returns of none for 18 from four overs.

Like Wellington, it was a big second-wicket stand that drove Northern Districts' innings. Watling and Dean Brownlie gave them a steady start through a 55-run opening stand in 7.5 overs. Once Brownlie fell for 35, Northern Districts went into overdrive with Anderson slamming six fours and five sixes. Though Watling (58 off 48) was run out in the 18th over, Anderson stayed unbeaten on 72 off 41 balls for a strong finish. Grant Elliott was miserly with his medium-pace that fetched him 1 for 22 in four overs.