KEY POINTS:
An unbeaten 88 from No 8 batsman Corey Anderson wasn't enough to save defending champions Canterbury from defeat in their opening State cricket championship four-day match against Auckland at Rangiora today.
Anderson and No 11 batsman Hamish Bennett resumed this morning with Canterbury down and out at 280 for nine after a late afternoon batting collapse yesterday.
Chasing 405 for the win, Anderson methodically laid waste to Auckland's bowling, moving from 39 overnight to 88 not out before Bennett was caught by wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins off the bowling of Lance Shaw for one to give Auckland a 73-run victory.
Anderson's 88 came from 86 balls, and included 10 fours and three sixes as he brought Canterbury closer than expected to an improbable victory.
For Auckland, a well-rounded bowling attack was spearheaded in the second innings by Colin de Grandhomme, who took 3-37 off 12 overs, and rookie legspinner Tarun Nethula, with 3-83.
- NZPA
