The Auckland Aces have been knocked out of the Ford Trophy after they suffered a four-wicket loss to the Wellington Firebirds in their minor semi-final yesterday.
The Firebirds will now meet the Canterbury Wizards in the preliminary final on Wednesday and the winner will play Northern Districts after the Hamilton side beat the table toppers by four wickets in the major semi-final.
Auckland were dismissed for 220 in 48 overs at Eden Park, with their last five batsmen collapsing for a combined total of just 13 runs. Tim McIntosh top scored with 54 while Donovan Grobbelaar made 49 for the defending champions.
An opening stand of 134 between Wellington openers Michael Pollard (85) and Michael Papps (43) meant the result was never in doubt and the Firebirds cruised to victory in the 48th over with Henry Walsh left unbeaten on 25.
In Christchurch, the Wizards made 224 from their 50 overs with Black Cap Peter Fulton leading the way with an unbeaten 82.
