The State Auckland Aces completed a five-wicket victory over the State Otago Volts at Dunedin’s University Oval to win the State Shield and take a limited-overs double for the season.
The Aces overcame the Volts for the second time in six days to repeat State Canterbury Wizards’ feat from the 2005/06 season.
Auckland captain Richard Jones struck 44 as the chase was completed in 21.3 overs, but the work had really been done in the field.
BLACKCAPS Test bowler Chris Martin posted excellent figures of three wickets for seven runs from eight overs as Otago was dismissed for 119 inside 42 overs.
He was supported by international colleague Andre Adams (3/29), Rob Nicol (2/9 off 4.4overs), with Mayu Pasupati and Paul Hitchcock also taking a wicket each.
Jones won the toss and elected to field, a decision quickly vindicated as the hosts fell to 43 for six in the first 16 overs.
Greg Todd fought back with a gritty 50, and Brad Scott and Nathan McCullum provided backing with 17 each.
The early wicket of Paul Hitchcock for eight in the second over slowed momentum, with Lou Vincent (17) and Jones falling after a 49-run partnership.
Scott Styris hit a run-a-ball 40, including two big sixes before departing with the scores tied, leaving David Houpapa (six not out) to clinch a quick single, the State Shield and the trophy double.
