Cricket: Astle's big hits shatter Otago

Nathan Astle hit the cricketing equivalent of automatic home runs out of both sides of Jade Stadium as Canterbury breezed to a six-wicket Shell Cup victory over Otago last night.

With Astle contributing a dazzling 121 at the top of their batting order, Canterbury overhauled Otago's total of 207 for six wickets with 9.2 overs to spare.

The first of Astle's big hits, off medium-fast bowler Kerry Walmsley, deposited the ball on to and then over the roof of the towering No 3 grandstand.

Another ball was produced, given to medium-pacer Craig Cumming, and Astle promptly lost it in the swampy building site over the western fence.

By then the original ball had been retrieved and was reintroduced to the match.

Astle monopolised a 101-run second-wicket partnership with Aaron Redmond. Although Redmond's share was a modest 35, they were harvested from only 39 balls in a gem of an innings.

Gary Stead (24) and Craig McMillan (19 not out) also filled supporting roles.

After reaching his century off 121 balls, Astle hastened Otago's demise with an off-driven six and two fours from consecutive Paul Wiseman deliveries.

But he ventured forth once too often with the total at 205 and was stumped, leaving McMillan to finish the task with a six of his own.

Warren McSkimming, who had given Otago brief hope by removing Brad Doody cheaply and Redmond later, presented the sole threat to Canterbury.

He had Astle dropped on 93, a difficult chance wide of wicketkeeper Martyn Croy.

The Otago innings had more lows than highs, caused by two run-outs when the visitors were seemingly set to exceed 250 and by the tight-fisted bowling of Astle and Chris Harris. They conceded just 60 runs from their combined total of 20 overs.

A threat of rain prompted Canterbury captain Stead to field first after winning the toss.

Instead of rain, the Canterbury fieldsmen were hampered by a sudden southerly gale, which made life all but unbearable for upwind bowlers Ryan Burson and Stephen Cunis.

- NZPA