Craig McMillan’s half -century and three top-order wickets by Hamish Bennett gave State Shield-holding Canterbury Wizards a 23-run win over State Otago Volts at Rangiora.
After a delayed start reduced the match to 43 overs a side, McMillan made 69 to help Canterbury to 238 for five.
Bennett slowed the Volts reply with three key wickets in the opening five overs, including scalps in consecutive balls.
Aaron Redmond attempted to start a fight back with 53, and Greg Todd continued to take the fight to the hosts with 43.
Jordan Sheed also contributed, seeing out the innings for an unbeaten 35.
But Otago ran out of time and overs, allowing the 2006 winners to open their title defence in winning fashion.
