Cricket: Wellington beat Auckland

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A record 27 sixes highlighted Wellington's six-wicket T20 win over Auckland at Eden Park tonight.

Wellington, beaten at the death by Auckland in their HRV Cup clash last weekend, got some revenge in a runfest on the small outfield.

Auckland made 200 for four, with opener Anaru Kitchen (43 off 29 balls), Carl Cachopa (43 off 35), Colin Munro (53 not out off just 23 balls) and Colin de Grandhomme (30 not out off 11) all making significant contributions.

However Wellington made no race of it, on the back of Australian import Travis Birt clubbing 41 off 17 balls from the start of the innings.

James Franklin hit 35 off 17 balls, Grant Elliott 34 off 27 and Michael Papps steered Wellington to 202 for four, with four balls to spare, making an unbeaten 58 off 41 balls. Auckland didn't help themselves, shelling three catches.

There has only been one T20 game with more sixes -- the 30 of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals in 2008.

The tally exceeded the only New Zealand record of 26 by Auckland and Central Districts in New Plymouth in 2008.

It was not a night to be a bowler, and Australian import Shaun Tait's four overs for Wellington went for 59 while Auckland's English allrounder Luke Wright went for 33 off his two overs.

Wellington have eight points and Auckland four. Northern Districts lead the table on 12 from Otago on 10. Auckland and Canterbury have four each and CD two.
Auckland play Canterbury at Eden Park tomorrow night.