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The State Canterbury Wizards have snuck into the State Twenty20 final after beating the State Central Stags at Fitzherbert Park in Palmerston North.
Chasing 144 for victory the Wizards needed to reach the target in 19.1 overs to overhaul second placed State Auckland Aces and book a spot in the final. They did it in the 18.3.
Johannes Myburgh made 36 off 35 and Shannan Stewart a useful 22 off 19 but is it was captain Kruger van Wyk’s impressive 40 off 27 that got the Wizards home.
Stags pace bowler Michael Mason did his best to restrict the Wizards returning four for 23 with Brendon Diamanti picking up two for 16 off three.
Earlier the Stags innings was built around a blistering unbeaten 85 off 61 by captain Mathew Sinclair. Sinclair moves to the top of the State Twenty20 batting rankings.
For once Shane Bond was out done by his team-mates with Michael Davidson the best taking three for 22.
Leighton Burtt was economical going for only 19 and collecting a wicket.
The Stags only managed one win for the season and finished in fifth.
Second placed Canterbury head down to Dunedin to take on the State Otago Volts in the final on March 1.
