The Otago Volts have claimed their second win over the Knights in the space of five days in the McDonald's Super Smash.
An excellent all-round performance gave the Volts a comprehensive eight-wicket win, with their bowling, batting, fielding and running between the wickets all near faultless.
The Knights decided to bat first at the Mount’s Bay Oval, and had the services of Trent Boult and BJ Watling to add to the likes of Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Dean Brownlie and Corey Anderson.
Despite those big names, the Knights found it tough going on the big Mount Manganui ground, struggling for ascendancy as the Volts bowlers kept them in check.
Anderson and Tim Seifert were the only two batsmen to make notable contributions, with Anderson making 39 from 30 balls and Seifert compiling a career-best 41 from 31.
While they set a decent platform, the Knights couldn’t produce a rapid innings at the death, as their big-hitting options were limited by excellent fielding and precision bowling from the Volts.
Potential twos were kept to singles by quick onrushing fielders, and the Volts bowling was led by Warren Barnes (1-18 from four) and Neil Wagner, who picked up 3-22 from his four overs.
The Knights could only muster 157/5, but with a bowling lineup stacked with BLACKCAPS, the total could have been defended.
However, 16 runs came off the first Trent Boult over as Otago roared into action. Hamish Rutherford was in fine form as the Volts reached 40/0 after just three overs.
Rutherford got things going with 39 from 24 deliveries, and when he and opening partner Anaru Kitchen fell, his teammates took over with aplomb.
Michael Bracewell and recalled BLACKCAP Neil Broom initially kept things steady, but superb running made sure the scoreboard ticked over and the required run rate remained easily attainable.
No Knights bowler could find sustained success, though they weren’t helped by some sloppy fielding and a few unlucky bounces.
Ish Sodhi copped the worst of it, with his first over having an edge go through the legs of Seifert behind the stumps, two top edges land in between onrushing fielders, and Tim Southee drop a sitter.
Eight wides didn't help the cause as Broom and Bracewell started to up the ante, adding an unbeaten 91 for the third wicket off just 56 balls.
Bracewell finished at 41 not out while Broom ended unbeaten on 54 from 41 balls – finishing the game with a scoop for six as the Volts cruised home with 15 balls to spare.
The Volts now have two wins from four games, while the Knights are on the outside looking in with just one win from five encounters.
