Oram stars in Central Districts' Twenty20 triumph

Central Districts 150 for 5 (Barnett 36) beat Northern Districts 148 for 8 (Orchard 33, Schaw 3-31) by five wickets
Scorecard

Geoff Barnett celebrated his birthday in style, setting up Central Districts' first Twenty20 title before Jacob Oram drove them over the line for a comfortable five-wicket win over Northern Districts. Oram was unbeaten on 34 from 23 deliveries when the winning runs were struck, and so convincing was the victory they had 21 balls to spare.

Northern Districts were sent in and their progress was constantly interrupted by Robbie Schaw, who collected 3 for 31. He broke a couple of useful partnerships after Andrew Strauss was the first man out for 17. Mark Orchard looked like setting his side for an imposing total, reaching 33 from 22 balls, when he was stumped off Schaw.

James Marshall (18) and Daniel Flynn (21) followed, and none of the remaining men could fully get on top of the bowlers. Oram grabbed 2 for 26 and another regular international, Michael Mason, also chipped in with two wickets.

Chasing 149, Central Districts got away to a flying start as Barnett, who was turning 24, belted two sixes and five fours in his 36. He took only 15 balls to get there and not even his departure could slow the rate significantly. Jamie How's 29 and Mathew Sinclair's 26 kept the home side on target before Oram confirmed the triumph.