Cricket: Revitalised Nevin paves the way for Wellington victory

Chris Nevin's decision over the winter to bring a more measured approach to his batting worked a treat yesterday when his second one-day century provided much of the impetus behind Wellington's 19-run win over Auckland at the Basin Reserve.

Last summer, the free-scoring opener was too often out for modest totals, concerned that he was not scoring fast enough.

He realised that to be more successful he needed to pace his innings more carefully. The results have come quickly, with scores of 87 not out, nought, 28 and 111 in Wellington's four State Shield games.

"I've developed a new theory of just being prepared to play out three or four maiden overs at the start if I need to in the belief I can catch up later," Nevin said.

"Before, I used to get in to a panic if I was playing out maiden overs. I've become more aware of my shot selection."

Nevin's runs came from just 114 balls, and in this form he is unlucky to have been dropped from the New Zealand one-day side in Australia.

Wellington reached 300 for five in their 50 overs. That included a second-wicket stand of 126 between Nevin and Richard Jones, who struck 47, and a thumping unbeaten 61 from 36 balls by the rapidly emerging Matthew Walker at No 6 as the Auckland bowling and fielding disintegrated.

Auckland's international openers, Llorne Howell, with 87, and Matthew Horne, who made 76, produced a sizzling stand of 155 from 140 balls, which threatened to win them the game until Wellington's bowlers reined them in.

With Auckland needing a run a ball in the last 10 overs, and six wickets in hand, they "should have been a doddle," said their coach, Tony Sail.

However, while some of their batsmen lost the plot, Wellington bowlers Walker and Paul Hitchcock kept their heads to shut out Auckland and ensure Wellington stayed unbeaten at the top of the competition.

- NZPA