The Central Stags have moved into second place on the Dream11 Super Smash ladder with a crucial 17-run win over the Canterbury Kings at Hagley Oval.
Winning the toss and opting to bat, the Stags got off to a poor start, losing openers George Worker and Christian Leopard within the first three overs.
Batting at first drop, wicketkeeper Dane Cleaver hit a quick-fire 81 off just 51 balls to give the innings substance and momentum. He had handy support from Whanganui Collegiate old boy, former Whanganui rep and captain Tom Bruce (29 off 23) and Josh Clarkson (36 off 25) as the Stags made 181-8.
The Kings were immediately on the back foot in their reply when Seth Rance trapped Jack Boyle in front for no score in the first over. Three tight overs followed and the Kings found themselves 16-1 after four and already facing a required run-rate above 10.