Cricket: Auckland set CD challenging chase

Jeet Raval struck his second century of the Plunket Shield season. Photo / Getty

Runs have flowed over the first three days at Eden Park, and Central Districts will need even more if they're to pull off a victory on the final day of the latest round of Plunket Shield matches.

Competition leaders Auckland will start the day at 425 for six, off just 88 overs, holding an overall lead of 382.

Auckland have now scored three centuries in the match - opener Michael Guptill-Bunce's first innings 112 being followed by 139 from fellow opener Jeet Raval and 100 by Robbie O'Donnell, second tons of the campaign for each.

Indeed Raval, after some lean outings, has scored 202 not out, 21 and 139 in his last three innings.

The pair put on a brisk 196 for the second wicket.

CD had started the day with noses in front but quickly lost their last four wickets for just 12, legspinner Tarun Nethula finishing with fine figures, six for 132.

CD's left arm spinner Ajaz Patel has followed his six-wicket haul in the first innings with five for 148 in Auckland's second innings. The first three days have produced 1214 runs.

Northern Districts will be in target-setting mode at the Basin Reserve tomorrow.

They resume their second innings at 85 for one, holding an overall lead of 171, with captain Daniel Flynn unbeaten on 58.

Earlier, Wellington's veteran allrounder Luke Woodcock completed his seventh first-class century as the focal point of his team's 352 for seven declared. Woodcock batted five hours over his 111.

Wellington conceded an 86-run first innings advantage, throwing the ball back to ND to set up a challenging final day situation.

Canterbury are facing a fight to avoid heavy defeat against bottom side Otago in Invercargill.

Otago had taken a171-run first innings advantage and declared at 225 for three yesterday, former Auckland batsman Anaru Kitchen making 62.

Canterbury's target is 397 and they will start tomorrow at 62 for three.