KEY POINTS:
Auckland hope to transfer their success in the most condensed version of cricket into the State Shield one-day semifinal against Wellington today.
Big-hitting from Paul Hitchcock and Andre Adams carried the Aucklanders to a 60-run win over Otago in the Twenty20 final on Sunday.
Coach Mark O'Donnell hopes the same positivity will carry them to victory at the Basin Reserve and a place in the State Shield final against Otago in Dunedin. He believes there isn't a quantum leap from Twenty20 to the 50-over game.
The team spent yesterday morning's training session talking over the adjustments needed.
"You still look to be positive but you make sure that your top order batters aren't looking to hit the ball over the fence after they've faced 20 balls," said O'Donnell.
"But there's no doubt it [Twenty20] hones one-day skills. It's growing, it has its own specific skills and I think the players benefit."
Although the likes of Adams and left-handed newcomer David Houpapa have shone in recent weeks, O'Donnell has been especially pleased with the consistency of his bowlers.
Rob Nicol has the best economy rate of any State Shield bowler this season while fellow-spinner Roneel Hira is fourth on the wicket-taking and averages list.
They complement the variety of Paul Hitchcock and Adams and the experience of seamers Mayu Pasupati and Chris Martin.
The clean-hitting Houpapa, 25, has been a surprise packet this season after returning from Western Australia. His 101 off 89 balls dominated the game when Auckland beat Wellington in their round-robin match this season, at Westpac Stadium a month ago.
Auckland's form in the shortened game is a complete turnaround on the last two summers, when they have twice finished a distant last.
- NZPA
