The Otago Volts have ended the Northern Knights three match winning streak, beating them by 11 runs in their HRV Cup match at Seddon Park in Hamilton tonight.
The Volts overcame a poor start with the bat to post a competitive 173 for seven from their 20 overs. In reply the Knights were unable to keep on top of the required run-rate and were restricted to 162 for eight.
The home side lost the early wicket of Kane Williamson and failed to recover at any stage, as the Volts limited the Knights’ boundary opportunities and put them firmly on the back-foot.
Anton Devcich and Steven Croft accumulated scores of 28 and 30, with both coming at a run a ball. It left the middle-order a lot of work to do, with the asking rate up to 15.50 for the last five overs.
Tim Southee cleared the boundary twice to make 21 from ten, while BJ Watling gave the Knights a glimmer of hope at the end with 35 from 17.
It wouldn’t be enough though, as the Knights succumbed to their first loss of the competition.
Nick Beard claimed three wickets in his four overs for 26, while Ian Butler was the most economical bowler with the Knights taking just 19 from his full quota.
Earlier, the Volts had been reduced to 15 for three, before Ryan ten Doeschate and Michael Bracewell sparked an impressive revival.
The pair put on 66 for the fifth wicket, with some clean strokes allowing them to set a strong platform for the final overs.
Ten Doeschate went on to make a crucial 65 from 45 deliveries, with five fours and two sixes highlighting his innings.
James Fuller then capitalised on his opportunity to add to the total with a quick-fire 27 from 11 balls. It elevated them past the 170 mark – an unlikely prospect considering their start to the innings.
The wickets were shared amongst the Knights’ bowlers, with Brent Arnel taking two wickets in his four overs for 40 runs.
The Knights remain on top of the HRV Cup points table, while Otago ascend into fourth.
