The Wellington Firebirds crushed the Otago Volts by 95 runs at the Basin Reserve on Tuesday to end the year at the top of the Ford Trophy standings.
Tom Blundell. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2020 www.photosport.nz
Partnerships proved the difference between the sides with returning Black Caps Tom Blundell (53) and Rachin Ravindra (46) putting on 98 for the second wicket in blustery conditions, while Troy Johnson top scored with 88.
Ollie Newton celebrated his return from a broken hand by scoring 25 runs off just 10 balls and taking two wickets for 44 runs with the ball - removing both Otago openers inside the first five overs of their failed chase.
Spinner Michael Bracewell took 3-36 for the hosts off and, despite a late rally from Max Chu (32) and Michael Rippon (68 not out), the visitors were all out in the 44th over.
The domestic men's one day competition resumes on New Years day with Auckland playing their first Ford Trophy game in Wellington against the Firebirds.