Styris shows form

Scott Styris showed his batting form with a match-winning 74 as State Auckland Aces defeated State Otago Volts to regain the first place in the State Shield table.

Styris went unbeaten to earn Auckland a seven–wicket win at Eden Park, claiming three sixes and six boundaries from 80 deliveries.

Auckland chased down Otago’s 230 in 44 overs, with the BLACKCAPS all-rounder making stands of 70 with captain Richard Jones (43) and Rob Nicol (38 not out).

Styris also took a wicket as Otago, table toppers at the start of the match, were limited batting first.

Aces bowlers Chris Martin and Paul Hitchcock, both members of the preliminary World Cup squad, took three wickets each.

Aaron Redmond and Greg Todd top-scored for the visitors, both hitting 53.