Andrew de Boorder scored a half-century on debut as Auckland Aces progressed to 289 for six against Wellington Firebirds at Eden Park Outer Oval.
Former New Zealand Under-19 captain De Boorder is well poised to convert his innings to a century, unbeaten on 85 not out at stumps.
Gareth Hopkins made 66 in a stand of 106 with the youngster, who was joined by Matthew Bates (28 not out) after Mark Houghton removed the wicketkeeper-batsman.
BLACKCAPS bowler Mark Gillespie and left-armer Dewayne Bowden claimed two wickets each for the visitors.
