Mathew Sinclair’s sixth Men’s One-Day century was the cornerstone of the Central Stag’s six wicket preliminary final win over the Canterbury Wizards at QEII Park in Christchurch.
The victory sees the Stags progress to the major semi final against the Northern Knights on Wednesday with the winner going on to play the Auckland Aces in the final on Sunday 21st February.
The Wizards made 258 for eight after winning the toss and electing to bat with the Stags overhauling the total with 17 balls to spare and six wickets in hand.
Sinclair was joined at the crease by Brendon Diamanti with the Stags teetering on 132 for four but the pair put on brilliant unbeaten 128 run partnership to take the game away from the home side.
Sinclair hit nine fours and two sixes, facing just 94 deliveries in his match winning innings of 105 not out.
Diamanti was also in devastating touch, lashing an unbeaten 59 off 47 balls including five fours and two sixes.
Part time spinner Johannes Myburgh took two for 22 off six over for the Wizards with Hamish Bennett and Rob Nicol picking up one each.
Earlier, a number of Canterbury batsmen made useful contributions with Kruger van Wyk 31*, Dean Brownlie 26, Myburgh 24, Peter Fulton 21, Chris Harris 21 and Shannan Stewart 20 to back up the superb 93 from opener Michael Papps.
Seth Rance was the leading wicket taker for the Stags with four but leaked 71 runs. English international Graham Napier took two scalps with George Worker snaring one.
