KEY POINTS:
Auckland batsman Dave Houpapa has quickly made an impact with a couple of blistering innings in the short versions of the game.
It has left observers wondering just how far this 25-year-old Johnny-come-lately to New Zealand cricket might go.
There is an air of swashbuckling mystery to the middle order batsman, who will figure in tomorrow's Twenty20 final against Otago at Eden Park and the State Shield semifinal in Wellington two days later.
The games are chances for Houpapa to further establish his credentials.
The player moved from the blistering heat of an isolated Australian town to the cooler climes of playing for a club on Auckland's North Shore. The returns for Auckland are modest at this point - eight one-day innings at an average of 27 while he's yet to play a first class game. But if you've caught Houpapa on his good days, you know he's a man to watch.
His surname suggests obvious New Zealand links - his father is Maori and hails from Taumarunui. His mother comes from Rai Valley near Nelson. Houpapa's grandfather led the move to the West Australian mining town of Newman - population 1000 if you are lucky - where Dave was born.
Houpapa came to cricket late in most regards. He thrived on backyard cricket "every day" with his father and two younger brothers, but played his first organised game at about 14.
He was spotted by a touring coach and entered the Western Australian system which has produced many fine cricketers.
Age grade representative cricket followed, where opponents included Michael Clarke, Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson.
"Cricket was just good fun and I never really thought about it as a career," says Houpapa, after the loss to Central Districts this week where he cracked a fairly sharp 39.
"It was about watching the test matches when I was younger, getting out on the driveway having fun with my brothers. I wasn't really big on the names of players, but I tried to emulate the stars I guess."
About four years ago, he came to New Zealand to visit his grandparents, did a bit of travelling, and "fell in love" with the country. He returned to Wellington and played club cricket for a season, where he was stunned by the windy conditions.
Auckland looked a better bet than Wellington job-wise so he headed to the Queen City, linking with the Takapuna cricket club.
After a succession of strong seasons, he made the Auckland set-up this season.
"I only expected to be a squad player," says Houpapa, who works in the finance industry.
"I'd had a bit of a think about things over winter and set a few goals but I just wanted to do well for Takapuna. I've ended up landing a spot in the Aces."
Like many kids, he was an allrounder but injuries prevent him from bowling anymore. The word from the Auckland camp is that Houpapa is a serene character, model sports citizen and keen learner.
He has already dished out a few lessons, however.
The left-hander smashed an 89-ball one day century against Wellington in the capital and went berserk in a Twenty20 match against Central Districts, clobbering 74 from 31 deliveries.
Houpapa says he has leant heavily on Auckland captain Richard Jones and Black Caps allrounder Scott Styris for advice, but declines to reveal their best tip.
"I prefer not to say - it might give away a few hints," he says.
On returning to the scene of his capital triumph for the State Shield semifinal, he is similarly cautious.
"It will be interesting to see what plans Wellington have for me. I think it's been a help so far that teams don't know how I play."
And on his future aims ...
"You can't look too far ahead. It's all happened so quick," says Houpapa, who claims New Zealand cricket allegiance.
"I haven't even given four-day games much thought. Hopefully things will fall into place. But this level is pretty challenging and the bowlers find your game and restrict you - I guess that's the best way to get people out."
The Twenty20 final will give Houpapa the chance to let off a few more batting fireworks. But the slower burning fuse of a one-day semifinal on Tuesday - he prefers the 50-over game - will give watchers a better chance to surmise just how far this West Australian import might go.
