Canterbury Kings 118 all out in 19.1 overs (Ronnie Hira 53, Donovan Grobbelaar 4-10) lost to Mondiale Auckland Aces 121-4 in 19.4 overs (Rob Nicol 52, Hamish Bennett 2-11) by five wickets at Hagley Oval.
The Mondiale Auckland Aces have moved into the play off spots with a close-fought win over the Canterbury Kings in difficult circumstances, with the news of Australian cricketer Phil Hughes' death coming mid-match.
Aces skipper Rob Nicol opened the bowling and removed the dangerous Neil Broom stumped by Brad Cachopa for one on the fourth ball of the match. His opening partner Ronnie Hira rode his luck after offering the Aces two chances when he was on 11 and 12, going on to make 53 from 39 balls, including eight fours. It was a stand out performance with the ball from Donvan Grobbelaar that helped the Aces keep the Kings to a low score on a pitch that didn't appear to hold many demons on first inspection.
Aiden Blizzard made 17, the second highest Kings score, with no other batsman reaching double figures. Tarun Nethula snared two wickets, with Nicol, Matt Quinn and Michael Bates getting one each to dismiss the Kings for 118 in the twentieth over.
After pausing between innings for a moment's silence for Phil Hughes' the low total proved hard to chase, with Rob Nicol stepping up with the bat to lead the charge. He made 52 from 54 balls, while around him the Kings bowlers were able to excerpt pressure through regular wickets.
Hamish Bennett was in fiery form, ending with two wickets from his four overs and conceding just 11 runs. The finish came down to the wire, with the Aces needing 26 from the last three overs then eight from the last. Brad Cachopa hit both balls he faced for four to win it for the Aces, with Nicol carrying his bat at the other end.
The win sees the Aces leaprfrog the Kings into third place, among the playoff spots, with all to play for this final weekend.
