Auckland, Otago Concede Defeat On Dream Batting Pitch

Otago cricketer Shaun Haig today added his name to a growing list of admirers of Eden Park Outer Oval in Auckland.

Haig became the 10th batsman to post a century in just three first-class matches at the venue this summer as his team's State Championship game ended in a tame draw.

Both sides agreed a result was beyond them with Otago on 343 for seven in their second innings on the fourth and final day, leaving Auckland to pick up two competition points for leading on the first innings.

Haig's contribution was a fine 108, his second time into three figures in just 11 matches at this level.

Resuming on seven with Otago on 132 for four this morning, Haig appreciated the true and consistent bounce on offer as well as the short boundaries.

After losing his overnight partner Nathan McCullum for 25, he enjoyed a stand of 145 for the sixth wicket with Derek de Boorder, who ended the game unbeaten on 68.

Haig's 295-minute effort finally ended when legspinner Tarun Nethula trapped him leg before wicket.

He had earlier raised his century with a lofted sweep for his ninth boundary, having earlier failed to pierce the field with conventional sweep shots along the turf.

Nethula was the pick of the attack, the Indian-born 25-year-old collecting career-best figures of four for 100 off 35 overs.

A result has not been attained at Eden Park Outer Oval this summer, with a superb surface proving to be a haven for batsmen.

In all, 3183 runs have been scored in three games at an average of 62.4 per wicket.

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