James Franklin’s fine Twenty20 form with the bat continues as he guided the State Wellington Firebirds to a six wicket win over the State Northern Knights at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
Franklin hit an unbeaten 64 off 31 including three fours and five sixes as the Firebirds reached their target of 163 with nearly three overs to spare.
The 52 run opening partnership between Chris Nevin 29 and Stephen Fleming 28 got the home side off to a flyer sharing with Luke Woodcock clubbing 23 off 12 and the end to seal the victory.
Joseph Yovich was easily Northern’s best with the ball taking two for 24 his four overs.
Earlier the Knights based their innings around captain James Marshall’s 58. Michael Parlane contributed with 28 as did Peter McGlashan with 27 and Graeme Aldridge with 22.
Spinner Woodcock backed up his cameo with the bat to take three for 27 with the ball. Graham Napier took two for 25.
Firebirds all-rounders Franklin, Woodcock and Napier occupy third, fourth and fifth respectively in the State Twenty20 MVP rankings.
Wellington join Canterbury and Auckland with two wins and a loss with Central yet to record a victory this year.
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