Munro smashes first-class sixes record

Colin Munro missed out on a place in New Zealand's World Cup squad, but he celebrated their appearance in a World Cup final in suitable style by obliterating the record for the most sixes in a first-class innings.

Munro hit 23 sixes in his 281 from 167 balls for Auckland against Central Districts in Napier in the Plunket Shield, treating it more like a frenzied World Cup finale than a first-class competition.

The previous first-class record of 16 was held by four players: his fellow New Zealander, Jesse Ryder, Andrew Symonds, Graham Napier and Mukhtar Ali.

Munro propelled Auckland to 471 for 5 before bad light forced stumps on the first day. He reached his fifty off 30 balls and then went on to bring up a century off 68 balls - the fourth-fastest in New Zealand's first-class history. He cut loose further and surged to a double-century off only 133 balls, before being dismissed on 281 by part-timer Tom Bruce in the 79th over.

Munro added 157 for the third wicket with Carl Cachopa at 5.41, and 214 for the fourth wicket with Robert O'Donnell at 8.33 - a record for Auckland against Central Districts. BM Tickner and Doug Bracewell bore the brunt of the damage, going for 229 runs in 37 overs.

Worcestershire will also be delighted. Munro has been signed up for the NatWest Blast and his reputation in England has suddenly grown ten-fold.