Cricket: Myburgh's magic 300

Pukekura Park has won over its newest convert, with Canterbury cricketer Johann Myburgh totally sold on the picturesque New Plymouth ground.

His fondness for the venue only deepened yesterday when the South African immigrant scored 101 not out in Canterbury's second innings of 169 for two declared on the third day of a four-day State Championship match against Central Districts.

That left the home side a daunting target of 448 to win the match in four sessions at a rate of about 3.3 an over, and they bit into the equation by reaching stumps at 74 without loss.

Under normal circumstances such a huge chase would be considered beyond reach, but Pukekura Park's small boundaries square of the wicket are a hitter's delight, as Myburgh has discovered in the past three days.

Having struck 199 there on Saturday, the 28-year-old picked up where he left off today, racing to his century off 160 balls, with 15 fours and two sixes.

His match stats are imposing: 300 runs for once out, 488 balls faced, 674 minutes at the crease, 36 fours and eight sixes.

He became just the seventh player to score 300 runs in a domestic first-class match and the 35th individual to score centuries in each innings of a first-class fixture in this country since records began in 1863-64.

He came to the crease today with Canterbury on 13 for two following the cheap dismissals of Peter Fulton and Todd Astle after Central Districts were dismissed for 205 to concede a first innings lead of 287 runs to the visitors.

Only a helter skelter 51 off 28 balls from Ewen Thompson lifted the hosts above the 200 mark as he clubbed eight fours and two sixes batting at No 9.

Fast bowlers Leighton Burtt and Hamish Bennett returned the identical figures of four for 48 for Canterbury to prove there was reward to be had for those who bent their backs.

Central Districts were much better second time around, with openers Jamie How and Peter Ingram scoring at close to four an over to be on 35 and 34 respectively.

- NZPA