That’s a wrap from our side as well. We appreciate your participation from all across the world. On behalf of my co-commentator Megh Mandaliya and Scorer/Analyst Raju Khariya, I, Deepak Prakash, am signing off. Please join us for the other fixtures across the world. Until then, Ta-Ta, Bye-Bye.✌✌
Hamish Rutherford (Otago Volts Captain): “The pacers have been in fine form this season. They keep on asking those questions by throwing the ball on decent areas. Travis Muller might have gone for a few runs but he has come in and delivered for us. Gibson has absolutely set the world on fire after shifting to the opening position. Shame he could not get to his hundred but it was an awesome inning. It's extremely pleasing how the guys are going about it. We have some time to freshen up tomorrow and go again on Monday."
Cole McConchie (Canterbury Captain):"We lost four to five wickets quickly but Mitchell played a brilliant knock and helped us to get a decent total to fight. Our bowler pulled things back and reduced the equation to 20 runs in the last 2 overs was a fantastic effort but unfortunately, we failed to save it. We are looking forward to the other game."
Jake Gibson (Gamechanger of the match):"Yes, it's good to be there. It is also good to open the innings alongside Hamish. Loving it. Feel awesome and the crowd sometimes is pretty loud. Hopefully, we can win again on Monday."
9:29 AM IST | Deepak: A masterclass inning of 96 runs from Jake Gibson💥 and a short cameo from Josh Finnie💪 has helped Otago Volts win the match by 4 wickets.
The highly anticipated match between Canterbury and Otago was a thrilling encounter that lived up to the hype. The hosts, Canterbury, won the toss and elected to bat first. Mitchell Hay starred with the bat, scoring 46 runs off 32 balls and helping Canterbury post a challenging total of 156 runs in 20 overs. On the bowling front, Travis Muller, Matthew Bacon, and Michael Rae each chipped in with a couple of wickets for Otago.
In response, Otago got off to a blazing start with their openers Hamish Rutherford and Jake Gibson, both in scintillating form. The opening pair put on 48 runs for the first wicket before Rutherford was dismissed for 21 runs off 12 balls. However, things quickly went south for Otago as they lost a few quick wickets, reducing the equation to 20 runs off the last two overs.
Josh Finnie's heroics with the bat, hitting a couple of sixes in the 19th over, reduced the target to just 5 runs off the last over. Despite missing his century by just 4 runs, Jake Gibson played a valiant inning and was unfortunately dismissed in the last over. But Ben Lockrose stepped up to the plate and hit a six to help Otago secure a memorable 4-wicket victory over Canterbury.
On the bowling front, Angus McKenzie was the standout performer for Canterbury, grabbing 4 wickets. Todd Astle and Ed Nuttall each contributed a wicket. Overall, it was a highly entertaining match that kept the fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Stick around for the post-match presentation...
19.3 A McKenzie to B Lockrose
6 IN THE AIR AND SIXX! Lockrose finishes the game in style and it is the visitors that have held their nerves to secure a thrilling victory. Fuller length in the slot, Lockrose clears his front leg and lifts that over the bowler's head as the ball travels this distance for a maximum. Otago Volts have won this encounter by 4 wickets and they will go to the top of the table momentarily.