KEY POINTS:
Mathew Sinclair's sublime domestic summer continued yesterday as Central Districts ran down 294 to beat Canterbury by four wickets in a free-scoring State Shield cricket match in Palmerston North.
Sinclair struck 97 as his side reached 295 for six with 11 balls to spare, keeping Central atop the standings through four rounds.
The captain's dismissal with 40 runs still needed off 27 balls could have stalled the run chase but a whirlwind 26 not out off just nine balls from Brendon Diamanti saw the hosts home.
Another of Central's form batsmen this season, opener Peter Ingram, got a sizeable run chase off to a fine start with 91 off 96 balls. He put on 110 for the third wicket with his skipper, ensuring the run rate required never got far beyond seven per over.
Sinclair struck just nine fours, ensuring he scored off most of the 90 balls he faced.
The leading runscorer in the State Championship, Sinclair's record in the State Shield this summer now reads 84 not out, 92, 31 and 97. His 304 runs at an average of more than 100 puts him well ahead of the rest of the competition.
Andy Ellis took two wickets for Canterbury - including Sinclair's - but leaked 72 off nine overs as he was blasted late by Diamanti.
Canterbury's innings was based around quality knocks of 90 and 72 from Johann Myburgh and opener Michael Papps respectively. Veteran Chris Harris' had a late cameo of 62 off 58 deliveries.
At the Basin Reserve, Otago beat Wellington by seven wickets. Neil Wagner took five for 34 as the hosts were limited to 220.
Aaron Redmond started the chase in aggressive fashion, blazing 64 as Otago overhauled the low total in just 38.5 overs.
Auckland's match against Northern Districts in Hamilton was rained off.
- NZPA
