Bracewell and Smith crush Otago

Doug Bracewell took eight wickets and scored a half-century to play a starring role in Central Districts' victory over Otago by an innings and 94 runs in Napier. The match was also notable for Jesse Ryder's performances, as the debate about whether he should be included in the New Zealand side intensifies - Ryder made 13 and 28 for Otago.

Otago struggled after choosing to bat, getting knocked over for 207 on the first day. At one stage - 127 for 6 - they did not look like getting that far. Bracewell dismissed the top three batsmen, including his cousin Michael Bracewell for 51, Otago's top score. Mark Craig made a half-century at No.8 to prop up the innings. Ben Wheeler, Seth Rance and Ajaz Patel claimed two wickets each for Central Districts.

Central Districts were far more solid in their reply. All of their eight batsmen who got a hit made at least 25, and opener Ben Smith converted his start into 112. Bracewell, also batting at No. 8, made a brisk and unbeaten 73 to secure a first-innings lead of 228. Central Districts declared on 435 for 6 on the third day, an innings that was inflated by 34 extras.

By the end of the third day, Otago had been reduced to 48 for 4, and were going to struggle to avoid an innings defeat. Wheeler and Bracewell had claimed a wicket each. There was no resistance from Otago on the final morning either, and Bracewell claimed three more wickets to complete his five-for. Central Districts needed only 51 overs to dismiss Otago for 134.