Murdoch, Dernbach set up Wellington's second win

Stephen Murdoch's 45-ball 70 and Jade Dernbach's 3 for 25 set up Wellington's 26-run victory over Central Districts in Nelson.

Batting first, Wellington were off to an attacking start as openers Michael Pollard (25) and Michael Papps (36) put on 51 runs within five overs. Central Districts then chipped away at Wellington's middle order, lead by Seth Rance, as no batsman apart from Pollard, Papps and Murdoch lasted for more than 10 balls. Wellington reached 175 for 9 at the end of their 20 overs, mainly thanks to Murdoch, who was dismissed in the last over.

In reply, Wellington's bowlers reduced Central Districts to 61 for 5 by the ninth over. Kruger van Wyk and Josh Clarkson then combined to put on a 43-run stand in six overs. The partnership was broken by Jeetan Patel in the 15th over, with Central Districts still needing 72 off 31. They were eventually restricted to 149 for 9.

"Pappsy struck it beautifully at the top and really set the tone," Murdoch said. "We're two from four now so we've given ourselves a chance on a pretty congested table."

Central Districts moved one spot down in the points table from their third position, and despite winning two of their four games, Wellington sit at second-last position, ahead of Canterbury.

This match also recorded the second instance in New Zealand's domestic history that a female umpire, Kathy Cross, officiated in a game. Cross had been the first to do so in the 2006-07 season.