ROUND TWO
Auckland Aces defeated Canterbury by seven wickets at Eden Park Outer Oval on 6 December 2017
Canterbury's rocky season took another hit as Colin Munro led the Auckland Aces to a massive seven-wicket at their first home one-dayer at Eden Park Outer Oval, Munro smashing his highest one-day score for the team to date, and with it, the Aces all-time List A record by any batsman.
Chasing 278 for victory in hot conditions, Munro was at his pugnacious best as he pulverised the Canterbury attack to all parts on his way to his unbeaten 174
His magic innings flew off just 118 balls and included 22 fours and six sixes, the opener blasting an innings to remember for all who were lucky enough to be there on the sunny banks.
Earlier, the Aces had been asked to bowl first by Canterbury captain Cole McConchie, but the fired-up hosts did well to restrict a Canterbury batting line-up that included the dangerous Ben Stokes.
The Christchurch-born England left-hander was called upon in the eleventh over after a strong start from the Aces' attack and reached 34 before falling victim to a delighted Tarun Nethula, the second of his three wickets.
Todd Astle provided typical resistance in the middle for the visitors with a half century but, when Mitchell McClenaghan returned for his second spell, Canterbury had no answers.
Fiery McClenaghan (below) rustled up a quick three wickets in a devastating death spell, at one stage putting himself on a hat-trick on his way to figures of 4-41 from his 10 overs.
Nethula finished with 3-68 while Munro and Lockie Ferguson chipped in with a wicket each as the Aces got ready for the 278 chase.
That’s where the Munro show took over, a record-breaking innings from the opener backed up with a half century from Mark Chapman (55 not out) as the Aces got home in a canter in the 43rd over.
The win put the icing on the cake for Glenn Phillips's 21st birthday and ensures the home side stay top of the standings in the Ford Trophy before they take on the Wellington Firebirds this Sunday in round three back in their Eden Park Outer Oval fortress; entry to the match is by gold coin donation.
Canterbury is meanwhile off home to host ND at Hagley Oval, looking to get their defence back on track.
