Munro and Cachopa boost Auckland in draw

Wellington and Auckland played out a draw at Eden Park No.2, with the hosts taking eight points from the game after having gained a major first-innings lead. It didn't seem likely when they were 174 for 5 in response to Wellington's 380, but Colin Munro and Craig Cachopa put them in the ascendancy with a 377-run stand for the sixth wicket. And it came in quick time, with Munro unleashing 27 fours and 14 sixes in a better-than-a-run-a-ball, unbeaten 269. Cachopa was more subdued in comparison, making 166 off 273, and their contribution enabled Auckland to declare on 658 for 9. Both players registered their career-best batting performances. The declaration came on the third day, and Wellington moved to 145 for 2 in their second innings. There was no play on the final day.