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The Canterbury Wizards' unbeaten start to the HRV Cup is over after a nail-biting one-run loss to the Auckland Aces in Christchurch today.
The Aces go top of the table, ahead of the Northern Knights on net run rate, after defending their 155 for six -- just -- at QEII Park Village Green.
Impressive Dutch import Ryan ten Doeschate ended on 51 not out but couldn't manage the boundary needed off the final ball bowled by Michael Bates, squeezing out two as the Wizards reached 154 for five.
Ten Doeschate reached his half century with the shot but was disappointed he couldn't steer his team home after cleverly pacing the run chase, which included a 55-run stand with opener Rob Nicol, who reached 46.
For the Aces, English import Jimmy Adams top-scored with 45 while Colin Munro added late impetus with 33 off 16 balls.
