Auckland's playoff hopes diminish with defeat

Half-centuries from Mathew Sinclair and Ben Smith gave Central Districts their second win of the HRV Cup, a seven-wicket victory against Auckland, who now have to win both their remaining games and hope other results go their way in order to make the playoff. Central Districts are bottom of the league and have no chance of progress. Auckland, however, are fourth and need to win two games and also hope Northern Districts lose both of their remaining games.

Central Districts' victory was built on a 106-run stand for the third wicket between Sinclair and Smith. Chasing 182, Sinclair made 71 off 52 balls and Smith 59 off 31 deliveries. Sinclair fell with the scores level and Central Districts won with three balls to spare. Smith's innings was his best of the tournament.

Auckland had set a competitive total at Pukekura Park after a wobbly start - they were 59 for 4 in nine overs after winning the toss. Colin de Grandhomme led their fightback, scoring a half-century off 20 balls before he was dismissed for 55 off 24. Craig Cachopa made 49 off 33 deliveries to lead his team to 181. Bevan Small and Andrew Lamb took two wickets each for Central Districts.