CRICKET: Auckland continue winning streak against Wellington

AUCKLAND have secured a 54-run victory over Wellington away at the Basin Reserve in the Plunket Shield. 

Wellington, chasing a target of 232 in their second innings, ultimately fell short, finishing their chase at 177 all out in 46.3 overs. Auckland’s bowlers, led by Jordan Sussex 4/50, and Danru Ferns 3/57, proved too strong for Wellington’s lower order, dismissing them despite a valiant 63 from wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell and a defiant knock of 27 from Dutch international Logan van Beek.

After a challenging first innings, where they were dismissed for just 184 on a grassy pitch, Auckland’s batting responded well in the second innings, posting a competitive total of 317. Key knocks from Bevon Jacobs 79, William O'Donnell 52no, and Simon Keene's 39, helped Auckland reach a defendable total after being in a precarious position early on.

Jacobs' crucial 79 in the second innings came after his impressive 75 in the first, where he single-handedly lifted Auckland’s total from a position of weakness. His resilience with the bat was a key factor in the outcome of the match, providing a vital buffer for the bowlers. While the likes of Finn Allen 49, and Sean Solia 31, contributed in the second innings, it was Jacobs who stood out as the anchor in both innings, proving to be a match-winner.

For Wellington, their bowlers were tasked with limiting Auckland’s scoring. However, while Liam Dudding and Michael Snedden bowled well in patches, the bowling attack lacked the bite needed to dismiss Auckland cheaply. Dudding's 4/49 was again the key performer, picking up crucial wickets, including that of Simon Keene and Bevon Jacobs in the second innings. His efforts helped restrict Auckland’s run rate, but his wickets came too late to prevent Auckland from posting a competitive total.

Logan van Beek, the hero of the first innings, could not replicate his earlier heroics in the second innings, going wicketless as he struggled to break partnerships or pick up the crucial wickets that might have turned the game in Wellington’s favour.

Since March 2022, Auckland have now won nine matches against Wellington in all formats.