Jamie How’s 95 gave State Central Stags a seven-wicket victory over previous pace-setters State Canterbury Wizards at Napier’s McLean Park to move top of the State Shield table.
The BLACKCAPS opener (pictured) was in rampant form, making his first 49 runs in 10 overs, before opening partner Geoff Barnett had got off the mark.
Barnett was eventually run out for 25 after a 110-run stand with How, who was also run out in the 35th over, having hit 14 fours and a six from 114 balls in two hours at the crease.
Earlier, Lance Hamilton had taken three wickets as Central cut through Canterbury, removing the visitors for 159.
The Wizards were dismissed in their final over, with captain Chris Harris having led them from a 49 for six to a more competitive total.
Harris made 63 from 91 balls, which put him on 2999 career runs in the competition.
But the total was easily attained by CD, with Canterbury’s bowlers unable to penetrate the host’s order.
All three wickets were by run out, with Ross Taylor, going for 21 in the penultimate over as he sought the winning runs.
