Cricket: Auckland set for amazing victory

Auckland are on the brink of victory going into the third day of a remarkable match against Central Districts at Fitzherbert Park in Palmerston North.

At stumps, Central were 57 for six, needing a further 132 to win, with Jacob Oram, the only remaining specialist batsman, yet to score. An Auckland win will be an amazing turnaround after a first day on which 21 wickets fell, Auckland having been dismissed for 71 before lunch.

Auckland moved from 59 for one in their second innings at the start of yesterday's play to be all out for 290, thanks to major contributions from test pair Mark Richardson and Lou Vincent.

They added 113 for the third wicket, with Richardson making 86, which included 15 fours, and Vincent 75.

There were other small contributions down the order as Auckland showed more spine than they had on the first day.

That left Central a target of 189, but they were in immediate trouble, losing openers David Kelly and Craig Furlong, and English professional Ben Smith inside the first 12 overs, with just 26 on the board.

When Mathew Sinclair departed soon after to a ball from Gareth Shaw which kept low, it was 39 for four.

Glen Sulzberger and Bevan Griggs were out before stumps, as Chris Drum and Shaw did a fine job for Auckland, sharing all six wickets. Shaw, in only his third first-class appearance, finished with four for 12 from 10 overs, while Drum had two for 17 from 11.

* New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, batting on one leg and with the assistance of a runner, batted Wellington to within sight of an outright win over Northern Districts at the Basin Reserve.

Wellington were 123 for two at stumps, chasing 210 for their fourth consecutive outright win and their third in successive matches at the Basin Reserve. They need 87 with two days remaining.

Fleming is 40 not out and in imposing form.

He did not field during Northern's second innings because of the injury he suffered on the first day when he was hit on the hip bone by young New Zealand speedster Ian Butler.

No less important to Wellington's chances was young left-hander Luke Woodcock, playing only his third first-class match. He is 30 not out and shares a 70-run partnership with Fleming which has made victory for Wellington almost certain.

They were all out in their first innings for 116 after resuming at 81 for six. Scott Styris hastened their collapse with five for 18 from 10.4 overs. Butler took four for 48.

Northern led by 69 on the first innings, but they made too little of that advantage when they reached only 140 in their second innings.