Tulsi Wellington Firebirds 308-5 in 50 overs (Stephen Murdoch 89, Michael Papps 98, Tom Blundell 47, Bradley Scott 2-47) beat the Otago Volts 306 all out in 50 overs (Aaron Redmond 96, Michael Bracewell 60, Sam Wells 50, Andy McKay 4-56) by two runs at Hawkins Basin Reserve, Wellington
The Otago Volts had their second last-ball loss in a row, despite some Sam Wells heroics almost sneaking a result for the visitors. Needing three to win from the last ball, Wells was caught by Grant Elliot from Andy McKay, to give the Tulsi Wellington Firebirds the win by two runs.
The Firebirds' openers made a 144 run opening stand, which was broken in the 29th when Sam Wells claimed Stephen Murdoch's wicket for 89 from 93 deliveries. Grant Elliott (28 from 23), Tom Blundell (47 from 31) and James Franklin (24 from 16) all contributed quick runs, while opener Papps was dismissed in the 45th over two short of his ton, caught by Derek de Boorder from Mark Craig's bowling.
The chase was built around Aaron Redmond's 96 and Michael Bracewell's 60 - the pair's 155 partnership was an Otago record against all comers, but timely wickets from the Firebirds meant the Volts were always playing catch up. With 60 required from the last five overs Sam Wells played boldly, hitting four sixes to get his side close, but lost his wicket on the last delivery to hand the points to the home team.
