Martin Guptill. Photo / Getty Images
Auckland batsman Martin Guptill blasted a New Zealand domestic T20 record 120 not out to power his side to a four-wicket win over Canterbury in Rangiora yesterday.
The right-hander's match-winning knock came from 60 balls, included eight sixes and eclipsed the previous record of 111 not out set by Central's
Ross Taylor against Northern Districts in 2008.
Canterbury won the toss and chose to bat at Mainpower Oval and a 68-run partnership for the second wicket between George Worker (41) and Peter Fulton (45) set them on their way.
A rapid-fire 42 from Black Caps' right-hander Dean Brownlie kept the momentum going and a couple of sixes in the final over from Mitchell Claydon saw them through to 183-9.
Experienced seamer Kyle Mills was the pick of the bowlers with 2-29 from four overs, while his new-ball partner Michael Bates took 2-32 from four overs.
Facing the task of needing nine an over from the start, Auckland lost Brad Cachopa and import Ahzar Mahmood early for single-figure scores, before Anaru Kitchen (25) hung around with Guptill to put on 44 for the third wicket.
Canterbury all-rounder Rob Nicol put the brakes on Auckland's innings with 2-25 from his four overs with his off-spinners, claiming the scalps of the big-hitting Colin de Grandhomme and skipper Gareth Hopkins along the way.
With Hopkins' departure at 107-5 after 13.1 overs, Auckland looked outsiders, but Guptill and Colin Munro added 67 in quick succession.
Auckland needed 30 from the final three overs after Guptill took 19 from a Matt Henry over and brought up his maiden T20 century.
Munro departed in the final over, when 10 was still required but the batsmen crossed when he was caught and Guptill was on strike again. He hit a low full toss for two, then smashed yet another six over long-on before clipping the fifth ball of the over away for a single, leaving Roneel Hira the chance to win the game.
With the scores level Hira only needed a single but the left-hander hammered a length ball from Andrew Ellis for six to propel Auckland to the top of the HRV Cup standings.
Auckland play again on Friday when they host Otago, while Canterbury, who remain third on the table, meet Wellington at the Basin Reserve on Sunday.
