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The Northern Knights have kept their finals hopes alive in the HRV Cup with a resounding 60 run win over the Wellington Firebirds at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
They move into third spot on the points table with one match to play and that happens to be against second placed Central Stags who are four points ahead. A win would see them over take the Stags and book a place in the final.
After winning the toss and electing to bat opener Tillarkartne Dilshan and number three Daniel Vettori went on a batting rampage, both blasting half centuries and putting on 115 for the second wicket.
Vettori struck 57 off 41 including six boundaries and a six while Dilshan lashed 59 off 42 with three boundaries and three sixes.
A late flurry from Tim Southee (17 off 6) boosted their total through to 191 for eight.
Seamer Andy McKay picked up three wickets but went for 41 runs.
In reply, the Firebirds were always off the run rate after the loss of early wickets saw them crumble to 18 for five.
English import Owais Shah was the only top order batsman to register a score of note making 25 while the remaining top order batsmen registered single figures scores.
Some late hitting from number eight Dewayne Bowden (34 from 23) and number nine Mark Houghton (32 from 21) saved the blushes and helped the home side through to 131.
Bradley Scott was outstanding taking four for 13, including three wickets in one over.
Vettori capped off a superb all round match with three for 31 and now sits second on the HRV Cup MVP points table.
