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That's it from this match, folks. It's one of those games where both sides would be happy with the result and a few who didn't even play would be very unhappy. I (Rudransh) and Mohul would beg a leave and hope you are on the happier side for the rest of your day!
Cole McConchie, Canterbury Kings captain: There's a bit of edge around these games. That partnership up top was an excellent. Getting 180 was unbelievable and then the bowling just finished it off. We have been searching for the complete performance. The platform up top has been a key part for us.
Nick Kelly, Wellington Firebirds captain: A few guys knew what the calculation was for us into the finals. The first goal was to win but we are pretty sure we are qualifying. We were sloppy in the field and a few guys stuck in with the bat but couldn't get going. We go again Friday.
Henry Nicholls, Player of the Match: It was a good game. When I came out to bat, Tom (Latham) was already batting and he had set the platform up for the rest of us to come in. I am really enjoying playing with the boys. We have got a good rhythm going, and now we are excited for Friday. In T20 cricket, you are always put under pressure, and the Wellington boys did that to us today, but we were able to come out on the other side.
Canterbury Kings win by 18 runs!
Tom Latham 60 (49) | Zakary Foulkes (2/23) Gareth Severin 41 (36) | Logan van Beek (2/21)
An excellent team performance from the Kings. They got a really good score on the board and everyone in the bowling lineup chipped in with either wickets or dot balls to cut the high-flying Firebirds' wings. The batting side just didn't get a partnership over 50 at all and that's what brought the end of them in the match, even though they managed to go beyond that 99-run mark they needed to seal a place in the finals.
Severin all but waged a lone war for the Firebirds on debut. Him and Kelly started really well though and gave a good unscathed start in the powerplay. However, as soon as Kelly got out to Rae, wickets came in regular intervals. Rippon, O'Rourke and Foulkes put on an exhibition of fast-bowling and used the long boundaries in excellent fashion. Unlike their opponents, the Kings fielded very well too.
Michael Bracewell was the only one who showed a bit of hope for the Firebirds with his stunning aggressive knock that led to a decent partnership with Severin. But he, too, got carried away with his own game and holed out one to the deep. Now, these two sides will meet again in the Eliminator which should make up for an intriguing battle!
20
overs
160/9score
1
4
4
1lb
1
4
runs
Adam Milne*
12(4)
Ben Sears
3(4)
Michael Rae
2/34
19.6 Michael Rae to Adam Milne, FOUR! TOP SHOT! At a length outside off, moves away. Milne tries to slash at it but gets a thick top edge up and over third man for a boundary! That will be that!
19.5 Michael Rae to Ben Sears, fullish outside off, moves away. Sears punches it towards wide of cover. Single taken.
19.4 Michael Rae to Adam Milne, fullish on off and middle, comes back in. Milne works it away towards leg byes. A leg bye taken.
19.3 Michael Rae to Adam Milne, FOUR AGAIN! Fuller on off and middle, comes back in a tad. Milne works it away wide of the fielder at square leg for a boundary!
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Basin Reserve, Wellington
Adam Milne
*
Michael Rae
Video
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