Defending champions the Northern Knights have chased down 262 to record a thrilling win in their first match of the men’s one-day competition at Colin Maiden Park, Auckland.
It came down to the last over with the Knights requiring four runs and the Aces two wickets but the experienced Joseph Yovich was up to the task, hitting a boundary off the second ball to secure the win.
The run chase was set up by top order batsmen Brad Wilson (37), Anton Devcich (47) and Michael Parlane (47) who provided a solid platform.
It wasn’t all cut and dry for Northern who stuttered in the middle overs, losing three wickets for 32 runs but an unbeaten 38 from all rounder Yovich held things together.
Roni Hiri was the best of the Auckland attack with three for 31.
Earlier, Auckland posted 264 thanks to half centuries from Reece Young.
Opener Young anchored the innings and was the highest run scorer with 65 from 85.
Hopkins hit only three boundaries in his 51 but sharp running enabled him to score at a strike rate of over 120 Roni Hira finishing the innings off with a quick fire 28.
Strike bowler Brent Arnel picked up two for 39, with Bradley Scott’s two for 33 the pick of the bowling.
Kane Williamson's 15 runs, two wickets and two catches were enough to see him feature in seventh spot of the one day MVP table.
