Defending domestic one-day cricket champions Auckland made it two from two as they beat Central Districts by 92 runs in Nelson yesterday.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Auckland made 307-7 from their 50 overs courtesy of an unbeaten 78 from Colin de Grandhomme, while Craig Cachopa added a brisk 66.
In reply, Central Districts made a good start as openers Jamie How and Ben Smith put on 81 for the first wicket. But when Smith went for 34 and How departed shortly after for 44, the Stags' run chase never regained its momentum.
They were bowled out for 215 in the 40th over as left-arm seamer Mitchell McClenaghan picked up 4-45 to back up the 4-33 he took against Northern Districts in the opening game of the competition.
Meanwhile, at Seddon Park in Hamilton, ND timed their run chase to perfection as they overhauled Otago's 277 in the final over to record a four-wicket win. BJ Watling made 83 not out from 88 balls for the Knights. He got good support from Jono Boult who made an unbeaten 39.
