Auckland declare early to setup final day clash

A sporting declaration by Auckland set up an interesting final day in the State Championship match against Otago at Eden Park. After bundling out Otago for 268, Auckland declared at 99 for 2 and grabbed two early wickets as Otago ended the day with an overall lead of 172. Earlier, Otago lost their last five wickets for 45 runs as Andre Adams ran through the side with figures of 6 for 49. Gareth Hopkins was the top-scorer for Otago with 61. The Auckland openers, Richard Jones and Martin Guptill scored at a fast clip, with Jones compiling a half-century before the unexpected declaration. The gamble worked in Auckland's favour immediately, as Kerry Walmsley set the opposition back with two wickets in his first over.

Only 30 overs were possible in a rain-interrupted third day at Basin Reserve as Wellington managed to add 56 runs to their overnight score in their State Championship match against Canterbury. Wellington lost Luke Woodcock for 64, caught by Chris Harris off Paul Wiseman. Neal Parlane (27) and Grant Elliot (19) were the two not-out batsmen when bad light stop play prematurely.

The entire third day's play in the State Championship match between Northern Districts and Central Districts at Hamilton was abandoned due to rain. Northern Districts ended the second day at 66 for 4 with Nick Horsley and Joseph Yovich at the crease.