Georgeson’s top knock steers Firebirds home

Luke Georgeson helped guide the Wellington Firebirds to a win over the Otago Volts in the opening round of the Plunket Shield.

The opener was potentially eyeing his first first-class century at the Basin Reserve, needing to score 26 of the final 55 runs once he moved to 74 on the final day.

But after that he faced 30 deliveries in a row from left-arm wristspinner Michael Rippon without scoring, before he was caught by substitute fielder Josh Finnie after playing an aggressive pull shot, so had to settle for a new highest score.

By that stage, the Firebirds had pulled within 25 runs and Black Caps wicketkeeper Tom Blundell steered them home from there, finishing not out on 22 as they chased down their target of 193.

Fellow Black Cap Rachin Ravindra didn’t bat on the final day after taking a blow to his right elbow late on day three, which forced him to retire hurt, but a Cricket Wellington spokesperson said there was no further damage.

The Firebirds resumed at 95-0 and completed their chase in an extended morning session yesterday.

Canterbury and the Central

Stags were forced to settle for a draw in the other match as rain disrupted proceedings at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

The hosts – and defending champions – began the final day at 61-0 needing 389 runs from a minimum of 96 overs while the Stags were searching for 10 wickets.

Black Caps opener Tom Latham made 104 for Canterbury before he was caught reversesweeping. Earlier, he joined in a partnership of 90 for the first wicket with fellow international Henry Nicholls, who made 44.

When the rain arrived shortly before tea, Canterbury had slumped to 199-5 with two new batsmen, Cam Fletcher and Theo van Woerkom, at the crease.

Play resumed after a two-hour delay at 5.22pm, with the Stags needing five more wickets from a tick more than 21 overs, but they couldn’t find a breakthrough before bad light stopped play at 6.18pm.