NZ_SHLCUP_NEWS_16JAN94

NZ SHLCUP News, 16 Jan 94

Yesterday's play should have sorted out the semi finalist's of New Zealand's Shell Cup one day competition. However rain in Alexandra meant that the vital Otago v Auuckland match will have to start from scratch tomorrow. The series has been a resounding financial success, but the standard of cricket has often been poor, with totals of over 200 not common. Apart from New Plymouth, Timaru, Masterton and sometimes Alexandra the pitches have been too low, slow and variable in bounce. This has meant that slow medium bowlers like Astle, Twose and Cooper have dominated, while strokemakers and quicker bowlers who are more likely to be useful at international level have not been favoured. Canterbury's win over fellow frontrunners Central Districts means that they win the round robin, with Central in second place. The real interest though is in the fourth semi final place. With Northern Districts safe in third, the battle is on between Otago (4 wins) and Auckland and Wellington (3 each). Because of Wellington's easy win over ND yesterday they have a big net run rate advantage, and they will qualify unless Otago wins or Auckland wins with a huge margin in today's postponed match.

So as far as I know the finals series will be like this:

Sun 17 Jan: Canterbury v Central at Hagley Park, Christchurch. Northern v 4th placed side, at Trust Bank Pk Hamilton

Wed 26 Jan: Loser of first game v Winner of second game.

Sat 29 Jan: Winner of first game v Winner of third game. (final)