Blackcaps opener Martin Guptill has guided his Auckland Aces team to a five-wicket victory against the Central Stags at Pukekura Park.
The 32-year-old made 71 not out off 51 balls, in an innings that included 10 fours and two sixes.
Bowling first, the Aces made the perfect start, bowling the Stags out for 107.
The Stags bowlers made early breakthroughs though, pickling up Colin Munro (1) and Glenn Phillips (0) cheaply.
But through the early wickets it was the experienced opener Guptill who stuck around to win the game for his side.
"It wasn't the type of wicket to stand there and hit through the line - it was quite a tough wicket to strike the ball on," he said.
"I was a bit rusty to start, it was nice to spend some time out in the middle and see the boys through in the end."
It's the Aces maiden win for the season, after their Christmas Eve match was abandoned due to rain.
Newshub.
Blackcaps opener Martin Guptill has guided his Auckland Aces team to a five-wicket victory against the Central Stags at Pukekura Park.
The 32-year-old made 71 not out off 51 balls, in an innings that included 10 fours and two sixes.
Bowling first, the Aces made the perfect start, bowling the Stags out for 107.
The Stags bowlers made early breakthroughs though, pickling up Colin Munro (1) and Glenn Phillips (0) cheaply.
But through the early wickets it was the experienced opener Guptill who stuck around to win the game for his side.
"It wasn't the type of wicket to stand there and hit through the line - it was quite a tough wicket to strike the ball on," he said.
"I was a bit rusty to start, it was nice to spend some time out in the middle and see the boys through in the end."
It's the Aces maiden win for the season, after their Christmas Eve match was abandoned due to rain.
Newshub.
