State Auckland Aces defeated State Otago Volts by 60 runs at Eden Park Outer Oval to claim the State Twenty20 trophy.
Andre Adams hit an unbeaten half-century to build on a century opening stand between Paul Hitchcock, who made 53, and Martin Guptill (36), to push the Aces to 211 for five, batting first after winning the toss.
Early wickets slowed down the Otago reply, and the run-rate never recovered.
After Auckland captain Richard Jones won the toss, Hitchcock and Guptill put on exactly 100 before the latter became Nathan McCullum’s first victim in the 10th over.
McCullum removed Hitchcock in his next over, with Adams elevated to number three.
The BLACKCAPS all-rounder carried his bat in partnerships with David Houpapa (19) and Reece Young (26) to set up a competitive total.
McCullum ended with an excellent two for 23 from four overs, with seamer Nic Turner also taking a couple.
Chris Gaffaney’s second-over run out set the tone as Auckland contained the Volts top order.
Adams and Mayu Pasupati took two wickets, each, the latter taking an expert diving catch to remove Greg Todd (29) off the former’s bowling.
Hitchcock was also clinical with the ball, taking two for 21.
Gareth Hopkins made a start with 26, but Otago’s chase ended at 151 with a last-ball lbw of Turner by Chris Martin.
The win handed the title to the Aces, 12 months after disappointment in the inaugural final 12 months earlier on the same ground.
