Bhupinder Singh picked up career-best figures of six for 50 as he bowled Auckland to an innings victory over Otago yesterday in the latest round of the Plunket Shield.
The 25-year-old offspinner's first five-wicket haul in domestic cricket helped the Aces roll the Volts for 250 in their second innings, which completed victory by an innings and 34 runs for the home side at Colin Maiden Park.
Otago were always battling to recover in the match after they was shot out for 63 in their first innings thanks to Mitchell McClenaghan's eight for 23.
Auckland piled on 347 for eight declared in their first innings on the back of Gareth Hopkins' unbeaten 109, while Jeet Raval struck 84.
Then it was over to Singh and in his 14th first-class game he spun a web around Otago, who had nine of their 11 batsman make double figures.
Only Craig Cumming (74) managed to pass 50 and, despite several other batsmen getting starts, nobody managed to go on and stick out the day to hang on for a draw in a game which had been affected by rain.
The win kept Auckland in second place on the Plunket Shield ladder with 74 points, 15 behind leaders Northern Districts, with Wellington third on 71.
ND was unlucky to not extend its lead even further when its match against Wellington at the Basin Reserve finished in a draw.
The visiting side needed only one more Wellington wicket to claim an outright victory but bad light stopped play and Northern Districts had to settle for a draw with Wellington on 241 for nine.
Wellington needed 330 to win in the fourth innings and, despite handy knocks from James Franklin (57) and Michael Pollard (70), the home team did not look likely.
Graeme Aldridge and Brent Arnel each claimed three wickets for ND, but Wellington defended stoutly in the final session to bat out the draw.
Recalled Black Cap Mark Gillespie was dismissed for three late in the day but, before Andy McKay could take the crease, the umpires called play off due to the fading light.
Rain also played its part in the game and delayed play on day four.
In Nelson, Canterbury picked up an outright victory over Central Districts at the Saxton Oval.
CD has been ravaged by injury, Peter Ingram's retirement and national commitments during the past few weeks and, after being set 297 to win, was bowled out for 118 as Canterbury pace bowler Matt Henry claimed four wickets at the top of the order.
CD was 65 for eight but No 9 BJ Barnett (40 not out) and Bevan Small (22) added some respectability to the scorecard before the inevitable was confirmed when Kyle Jarvis was adjudged leg before wicket from the bowling of Todd Astle for four.
Despite the loss Central remained fourth on the Plunket Shield standings on 69 points, 19 ahead of Canterbury (50), while Otago (37) is still in last place.
