It was raining sixes and fours at the Pukekura Park, in New Plymouth as Central Districts skipper Tom Bruce was on fire against Canterbury Kings in the Match 20 of the New Zealand Men’s T20 on December 31 (Thursday). Bruce scored 93 off just 36 deliveries against Kings and his innings was comprised of 8 sixes and 8 fours. The skipper remained not out till the end of his side’s innings and helped his team in reaching a formidable total of 217 for 4 in their stipulated 20 overs.
Central Districts skipper, Bruce had won the toss and elected to bat first. The decision initially seemed to be wrong as his side lost first three wickets within 10 overs and with 73 runs on board. But then came the captain Bruce to bat.
Destructive innings
From the very first ball, the 30-year-old skipper seemed to be in a mood to just hit sixes and fours off all the deliveries. He got a good support from his wicketkeeper Dane Cleaver who scored 61 runs off just 32 deliveries. His innings was comprised of 3 fours and 5 sixes but eventually Canterbury Kings righ-arm medium pacer William Salter Williams picked up Cleaver’s wicket in the 17th over.
Cleaver layed a terrific innings of 65 runs in the last encounter against the Northern Knights. He has smashed 282 runs from six matches at an average of 56.40 in this tournament.
Central Districts had lost their previous game against Northern Districts by six wickets.
In the tournament so far, Tom Bruce-led side, Central Districts, have secured victories in three matches from the six they have played.
Canterbury Kings on the other hand emerged triumphantly over Otago in their previous game, by 36 runs. They will aim to continue their winning momentum. The side has won three matches from the five they have played in the high-profile league so far.
League table
Before the game started, Canterbury were on the second position with 12 points from 5 games and Central Districts were on the third spot with 12 points from six matches.
Canterbury Kings are scheduled to face Auckland in their next fixture on January 7, 2022 and on the next day, Central Districts will take on Wellington in their next match.
