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All-rounder Andre Adams has played a pivotal role as the Auckland Aces started the defence of their domestic one-day title in the manner they wanted.
Their opening Ford Trophy match ended in a victory by 72 runs over the Wellington Firebirds on Bert Sutcliffe Oval at Lincoln today.
The Firebirds were dismissed for 177 in 44.2 over overs chasing the Aces’ 249, with Adams in the thick of the action to pick up five for 29, the third time he has captured five wickets in an innings for the province on the one-day stage.
There were a series of handy contributions in the Aces’ innings, with Ronnie Hira topscoring at No 9 with a 39-ball 48 containing four fours and two sixes.
As well, Anaru Kitchen chipped in with 39, Adams made 33 at better than a run a ball, Colin de Grandhomme and Brad Cachopa both scored 32, and Kyle Mills made 32.
Best with the ball for the Firebirds was James Franklin, who took three for 38 off seven overs, while Andy McKay claimed three for 42 off 9.4 overs and Scott Kuggeleijn three 54 off 10.
The only Firebirds batsman to emerge with credit was opener Michael Papps, whose 71 off 99 balls held them together before he was bowled by Adams after hitting nine boundaries.
The next best effort was the 27 scored by Franklin.
Aside from Adams, the Aces were well served on the bowling front by Bhupinder Singh, who finished with two for 33 off eight, and Hira, who claimed two for 43 off nine.
