Mathew Sinclair’s 28-ball half-century led State Central Stags to a six-wicket defeat of Otago Volts at New Plymouth.
Sinclair made 54 as the Stags hunted down Otago’s 172, as score built on Brendon McCullum’s 53 at Pukekura Park.
Ross Taylor extended his run of form in the competition with 47 from 20 deliveries as the hosts returned to the top of the table.
Volts captain McCullum won the toss and elected to bat, and flourished with a half-century from 36 balls.
Greg Todd, with 32, was next best and the only other Volts batsman to make a significant start.
Brendon Diamanti was the pick of the bowlers on show with two for 16.
The impressive Stags top order made light work of their target, completing victory with a four overs to spare.
Sinclair and Taylor led the way, but openers Jamie How (20) and Geoff Barnett (35) set the standard.
The victory puts CD back to the top of the State Twenty20 table, but only by virtue of their net run rate.
However, the Stags have a game left to play, with Canterbury and Northern Knights already having completed their schedule.
