Cricket: Remarkable run chase for Wellington

Michael Pollard, seen here batting for Wellington in short-form cricket. Photo / File

A remarkable fourth innings run chase has earned Wellington an outright victory over Central Districts in the Plunket Shield today.

Central Districts had set Wellington 306 to win in 65 overs after opener Ben Smith had earlier compiled his second century of the season with a composed unbeaten 117.

Wellington lost steady wickets to be 119-3 after 31 overs - requiring a daunting 187 from their remaining 34 overs. Their middle order was up to the challenge however; with Michael Pollard (65) and Tom Blundell (77 not out) putting on 93 before aggressive knocks from Matt Taylor (33 from 26 balls) and Luke Woodcock (31 not out from 19 balls) saw them home with 15 balls to spare.

In other Plunket Shield action, Canterbury are set to wrap up a comfortable win over Otago tomorrow. Resuming today at 272-2, Peter Fulton smashed his way to an unbeaten 155, joining forces with Ken McClure (66 not out) to put on an unbeaten 216.

Canterbury's eventual declaration at 350-2 set Otago 553 to win on the Hagley Oval wicket, and they are a long way from that lofty target, sitting at 213-6 at the end of the third day's play.

Opener Brad Wilson made his ninth first-class century as the visitors showed more resilience than their first innings total of 91.

Meanwhile, New Zealand A completed a nine wicket win over Sri Lanka A at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln.

Leg-spinner Todd Astle shone with 7-78 to end with 11 wickets in the match, as Sri Lanka A were bowled out for 234 in their second innings.

Set 19 to win, NZ A did it for the loss of just Dean Brownlie to end their series in style.