Cricket: Wiseman swaps ball for bat in Auckland win

Canterbury may have discovered an answer to their top-order batting troubles with the sparkling success of Paul Wiseman against Auckland in Christchurch yesterday.

Wiseman, batting No 3 for the first time this season and better known as an off-spin bowler, stroked a polished unbeaten 65 as Canterbury swept to a convincing seven-wicket win.

The win consolidated Canterbury's third place in the State Shield competition, which has only two rounds remaining, while Auckland appear to be out of contention.

Auckland managed only a disappointing 161 in 45.1 overs of the 49-over match, which began 30 minutes late, and Canterbury was untroubled to win in the 35th over to claim a bonus point.

Canterbury captain Gary Stead said Wiseman was tried because he had been batting well this season, "maybe better than some of the batsmen".

Not surprisingly, Wiseman was overshadowed by Nathan Astle (35), who batted confidently in his return to the crease while 67 was put together in swift time.

Earlier, Auckland began promisingly, reaching 51 for one from 10 overs, with in-form Matt Horne leading the way.

Although dropped twice, Horne continued his prolific run-getting, posting 54 from 80 balls, with five fours. That goes alongside his scores this season of 55, 33, 60, 76, 67, 68 and 0.

Auckland's batting was then stifled by excellent spells from medium pacers Astle and Stephen Cunis, who between them took six wickets for 58 runs from their 20 overs.

- NZPA