The HRV Cup resumes today and Otago is chasing a third title in five years. Cricket writer Adrian Seconi previews four key games which could have a big impact on the outcome of the tournament.
Otago v Auckland
Molyneux Park, today
It has been nearly three years since Molyneux Park last hosted domestic cricket, so it will be a big day for fans in the region.
The game shapes as a cracker, too. There are just two points separating Otago (10) in second place and Auckland (8) in third place, so the Volts could open up a useful buffer with a win.
Otago won 10 consecutive HRV Cup games last season to claim the title. The Volts were in a league of their own but the gap between the defending champion and the rest of the field appears to have closed.
Auckland poses a legitimate threat. Batsmen Craig Cachopa and Anaru Kitchen and all-rounders Colin Munro and Colin de Grandhomme can all wallop the ball.
Otago, meanwhile, will be missing some key personnel with Jesse Ryder, Jimmy Neesham and the McCullum brothers on national duty. Seamer Ian Butler is sidelined indefinitely with a back complaint.
ND v Wellington
Bay Oval, January 4
Northern Districts was the only team to beat Otago last season and has set the pace this summer with three wins from four games. Australian imports Ben Laughlin and Daniel Harris have been inspired recruits.
Harris is the tournament's leading scorer with 169 runs at 42.25 and Laughlin is the leading wicket-taker with 10 victims at 10.10.
Wellington was a beaten finalist and should push hard for a place in the final again.
The Firebirds had to score more than 200 to beat Auckland at Eden Park last month and got there with four balls and six wickets to spare. Australian Travis Birt whacked 41 from 17 and James Franklin scored 35 from 17.
Auckland v ND
Eden Park, January 8
The teams meet again two days later in Hamilton and the outcome of the series should have a big impact on the playoffs.
The teams shared the same record last season with five wins and five losses. Six wins was enough to make the last season's final and it could be that tight again this summer.
Auckland has a proud twenty20 record, winning 46 of its 73 games. It won the HRV Cup in 2010-11 and became the first New Zealand team to win a game at the Champions League. Otago has since improved on Auckland's record at the lucrative tournament.
Northern was a beaten finalist in 2007-08 but has never won the competition.
Otago v Wellington
University Oval, January 8
It is a rematch of the 2012-13 final and perhaps a curtain-raiser for this season's final.
Otago will look to experienced campaigners Aaron Redmond and Neil Broom for runs along with import Ryan ten Doeschate.
It is a formidable batting line-up and, in left-arm spinner Nick Beard, the Volts have the most frugal bowler in the competition.
Veteran seamer James McMillan has produced some sparkling form in the twilight of his career and, if Jacob Duffy can rediscover his 2012-13 form, Otago's bowling line-up will be competitive.
For Wellington, top-order batsman Michael Papps has been in superb touch and the Firebirds have a very experienced core of players in Franklin, Grant Elliott, Luke Woodcock, Brent Arnel and Mark Gillespie.
HRV Cup
At a glance
Otago's remaining games
Today: v Auckland, Molyneux Park
Sunday: v Wellington, Basin Reserve
January 3: v Auckland, Eden Park
January 5: v Central Districts, Pukekura Park
January 8: v Wellington, University Oval
January 12: v Central Districts, University Oval
January 17: Semifinal, Seddon Park
January 18: Final, Seddon Park
Statistics
Leading scorers
Daniel Harris (ND) 169 runs at 42.25Michael Papps (Well) 155 runs at 51.66
Daniel Flynn (ND) 137 runs at 34.25Craig Cachopa (Auck) 126 runs at 126
Ryan ten Doeschate (Otago) 106 runs at 35.33Highest strike rate
Colin Munro (Auck), 230.43
Most sixes
Daniel Harris (ND), 9
Leading wicket-takers
Ben Laughlin (ND) 10 wickets at 10.10
Neil Wagner (Otago) 7 wickets at 11.14
Kyle Mills (Auck) 5 wickets at 11.40
Michael Bates (Auck) 5 wickets at 15.60
Brent Arnel (Well) 5 wickets at 20.60
Most economical Nick Beard (Otago), 4.50
Best strike rate Nick Beard (Otago), 9.4
