Cricket: Murdoch stars in Wellington win

Batsman Stephen Murdoch. Photo / NZME.

Wellington got their Plunket Shield campaign off to a fine start with a thrilling win over Canterbury at Hagley Oval yesterday.

Set a target of 307 to win, Wellington completed the job with an over to spare.

Batsman Stephen Murdoch led Wellington's charge with his sixth, and highest first class hundred, finishing 155 not out off 164 balls.

Earlier Henry Nicholls completed his maiden first-class hundred for Canterbury, 119 in their second innings 407 for seven declared.

Central Districts hold the whip hand against Otago going into the final day of their clash at Napier's Nelson Park.

Having established a 228-run first innings lead, CD then knocked the top off Otago's second innings to have them 48 for four at stumps.

Those out included Jesse Ryder, caught behind off former New Zealand teammate Doug Bracewell for 28.

Earlier, opener Ben Smith hit 112 in five and a half hours, to anchor the CD innings.