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Auckland lowered Otago's colours in Dunedin last night to join them on top of the standings at the halfway stage of the Twenty20 cricket championship.
Auckland fought back in the last five overs after it appeared their 142 for seven wouldn't be enough at University Oval, beating the previously unbeaten southerners by three runs. It leaves both teams on three wins from four.
So they both have everything to play for leading up to the final on March 1.
Needing 11 off the last over bowled by Chris Martin, the southerners could manage only seven.
Their 139 for six was a disappointing return after cruising through the first three-quarters of the chase.
Left-arm spinner Hira was the standout player, taking three for 21 and top-scoring for the visitors with 28 off 20 balls.
- NZPA
