BLACKCAPS captain Stephen Fleming made 45 for State Wellington Firebirds, but the capital side fell to a six-wicket defeat to State Otago Volts at the Basin Reserve.
Fleming was outscored by Wellington captain Matthew Bell, who hit 67 not out, as the Firebirds made 227 in their State Shield clash.
However, Otago responded well to their defeat to State Canterbury Wizards in midweek, with all-rounder Jonathan Trott continuing his good form.
Trott took three Wellington wickets before hitting 43 in the Volts’ reply.
Aaron Redmond made 63, with Craig Cumming hitting 40 and Neil Broom guiding the visitors home with 48 not out.
Jeetan Patel took three wickets, while James Franklin continued his habit of claiming early wickets, taking Chris Gaffaney in his first over.
