Cricket: Auckland finds the way ahead becoming much clearer

Auckland captain Gareth Hopkins. Photo / Richard Robinson

Suddenly a measure of the mist and guesswork has cleared for Auckland in the domestic T20 competition.

After a 29-run loss to Northern Districts at Eden Park on Wednesday, Auckland's task is simple: they must beat their neighbours in the return fixture at Seddon Park today, then topple bottom-placed Central Districts at Eden Park on Tuesday if they are to make the playoff game in Hamilton next week.

Leaders and defending champions Otago, who hung on to edge out Wellington in a final-ball thriller in Dunedin on Wednesday, will advance straight to next Saturday's final if they beat CD on Sunday.

Captain Gareth Hopkins recalled a similar scenario a few seasons ago when Auckland needed a big rails run and got up to win the title.

Auckland were well beaten by ND on Wednesday, when they omitted out of touch import Chris Nash, which Hopkins labelled "a huge call".

"It was tough but it's a good thing to have that competition for spots," Hopkins said.

Nash is expected to return today with Colin Munro in the New Zealand T20 squad. Jono Sole and ODI seamer Kyle Mills come into the group.

There's no point looking ahead to the CD game, in Hopkins book, even though it sits as a potential ace as the final round robin fixture.

"It's all on [tonight]. If we don't win then we can't go any further," he said.

Canterbury host Wellington today and for Wellington who have been among the pacesetters for much of the campaign, defeat would be a bitter blow.

Still, Canterbury can argue they've been stiffed with the weather.

Three of their eight games have been washed out.

In theory that has cost them six competition points.