Cricket: Five sides with chance in thrilling race to cup final

Auckland welcome back Colin Munro from the ODI squad. Photo / Richard Robinson

As clutch games go, today's contest at Eden Park's outer oval takes some beating.

The HRV Cup has developed into a cracking race with five teams out of six in the frame for the final as they turn for home. The five are covered by four points with seven games left.

In Dunedin today, leaders Wellington or second-placed Otago can all but secure, at the least, a place in the 2nd v 3rd playoff on January 17. At the same time, one of Auckland or ND could do themselves serious damage if they lose at Eden Park today. It's that tight, and all the better as a competition for that.

Both have three games left - including a return clash at Seddon Park on Friday - and would need to win the lot to be a chance to qualify top and advance directly to the final in Hamilton on January 18. They'll surely need to win two to make the playoff.

Auckland welcome back Colin Munro from the ODI squad. He was clearly the batting backup and on that basis far better off playing cricket than carrying drinks today.

ND benefit from the return of Australian batsman Dan Harris. He made a strong early showing - 169 runs at 42.25 and a strike rate of 144 from four games - before returning to the Big Bash League, where he was immediately sidelined by injury.

ND began with a roar but missed out chasing moderate targets against Canterbury at Wellington at Mt Maunganui last week, which may yet bite them.

Auckland have the best differential of the five contenders - 0.587. They also have one other potential ace up their sleeve should the top three come down to the final match as seems highly likely. They are hosting it, against winless Central Districts next Tuesday.

Canterbury's hopes were hurt when their game against CD in New Plymouth yesterday was washed out, meaning a split of the points. However, they're still alive.

Cricket giveaway

We have four Specsavers summer cricket prize packs to give away.

The prize packs are worth more than $1000 each and include:
*5x GA passes to the Black Caps v West Indies T20 match at Eden Park on Saturday
*A voucher for 2x pairs of Specsavers designer glasses valued at up to $800
*1x Specsavers cooler bag
*5x Specsavers caps

To enter, email your name and contact details to: specsavers@thisismango.co.nz by Friday, January 10.

Do you know someone who scores a six in umpiring? Then check out the Specsavers and New Zealand Cricket nationwide competition, running until January 13, in search of "Specsavers' Favourite Kiwi Cricket Umpire", with an incredible prize for the winning umpire. Visit www.specsavers.co.nz/favouriteumpire for more details.