Central Districts survive scare in small chase

Central Districts had crashed to 27 for 7 in a chase of 70 against Northern Districts before Kieran Noema-Barnett and Kruger van Wyk scored unbeaten 20s to secure a three-wicket win on the third day in Napier. Scott Kuggeleijn had reduced Central Districts to 14 for 3 on the second evening, and on the third day Graeme Aldridge struck twice in successive overs. Central Districts collapsed from 21 for 3 to 27 for 7. Noema-Barnett and van Wyk, however, ensured the good work over the previous two days was not wasted.

Central Districts' bowlers performed impressively after Noema-Barnett won the toss, dismissing Northern Districts for 195 in 60.3 overs. Noema-Barnett and Bevan Small took three wickets each, while Daniel Flynn's 41 was the top score for Northern Districts. In their reply, Central Districts also performed poorly initially, slipping to 71 for 5 before half-centuries from van Wyk and Doug Bracewell led them to 265.

Ben Wheeler and Doug Bracewell then consolidated Central Districts' advantage, taking 4 for 21 and 3 for 47. Northern Districts went from 22 for 0 to 30 for 3, and then lost their last five wickets for 29 runs. They were dismissed for 139 in 48.5 overs, ahead by only 69. Central Districts, however, had a major score before they achieved the target.