Otago took down leaders Auckland in a spectacular Twenty20 match at the Provincial A tournament in Lincoln, with the southerners claiming the points via an entertaining eliminator over.
Having finished level on 144 in regular play, Auckland’s managed to post 13 in the decisive over thanks to 12 off five balls from Tim McIntosh. He was to be out-done though, with Iain Robertson smashing 13 off four balls to give his side victory with a ball to spare.
Robertson crunched a four and a six and alongside Mark Craig took his side over the line to pick up their third win of the tournament.
Earlier, Auckland had revolved their chase around their skipper, who blasted 59 off 45 balls. His dismissal though saw the wheels fall off, as regular wickets put in danger what had seemed like an easy win.
With two required off the last ball, Auckland only managed to force a single to extend the match a little longer. McIntosh once again stood tall with a couple of boundaries to his name, but it wouldn’t be enough.
Sam Blakely took two for 18 in his first three overs and also took the ball for the Super-over.
Previously, Otago had been unconvincing in the first innings, with Jamie Glenn (38) and Robertson (43) providing the majority of the runs.
Both had good strike-rates and set up a strong platform for the lower-order, but apart from 13 from Bradley Rodden and 22 from Jesse Simpson the final overs lacked an enforcer.
In the end they finished 144 for eight, with late wickets holding them back from reaching the 150 mark.
Five of Auckland’s six bowlers were amongst the wickets, while they also caused one run-out at the start of the innings to dismiss Ryan Duffy for a duck.
Auckland however will be mighty disappointed to have lost the match, allowing Wellington a chance to regain the lead with two rounds remaining.
