The Otago Volts have beaten the Wellington Firebirds by 82 runs in their HRV Cup match at University Oval in Dunedin, with the home side posting 204 for three in the first innings.
Ryan ten Dooeschate top-scored with 60 not out, while both openers claimed half-centuries to help the Volts reach the substantial total. In reply the Firebirds were unable to form a major partnership with the bat and were dismissed for 122 after 17.4 overs.
Jesse Ryder looked to keep the visitors competitive with a quick-fire 37 from 28 balls at the start of the innings, but his departure in the seventh over saw the Firebirds’ chances perish.
No one else made a considerable contribution, with import Tamim Iqbal the next best on 14.
Five wickets in four overs saw the tail disappear cheaply and the Firebirds were all out well short of the target.
Spinner Nick Beard delivered with the ball for the Volts, finishing with match analysis of four for 16 from four overs.
Earlier, Hamish Rutherford (53) and Neil Broom (51) had got their side off to a great start with the bat, putting on 105 for the first wicket.
The pair both fell shortly after bringing up their 50s, leaving close to seven overs for Michael Bracewell and Ten Doeschate to try and add to the total.
Bracewell hit two sixes in 19 from 12, but was dismissed by Chris Woakes at the start of the 18th over. Ten Doeschate though made it back to back half centuries in the HRV Cup, smashing a dazzling 60 not out from 29 balls.
He ended with five fours and three sixes to his name, while Ian Butler chipped in with an unbeaten five.
Three bowlers picked up a wicket each, with Ryder’s 1-18 off 2.3 overs the best of them.
The next HRV fixtures are on December 26, with the Auckland Aces playing the Northern Knights and the Firebirds taking on the Central Stags.
