Min Patel spins Central to big win

Central Districts thrashed Otago by 99 runs at New Plymouth after dismissing the visitors for 301 on the last day. Central's victory was based in large part on Matthew Sinclair's twin centuries. Sinclair scored 121 and an unbeaten 103, sharing an unbroken partnership of 242 with Jamie How in the second innings. Sinclair will be hoping the centuries impress the national selectors as they contemplate three Tests against West Indies and a further three against South Africa next month. Min Patel's 5 for 51 propelled Central to victory with only Warren McSkimming (80) providing lower-order resistance.

Northern Districts battled to a draw against Canterbury thanks to a marathon century from James Marshall and willing support from Nick Horsley (69 not out). Northern had reached 334 for 4 when the captains called off the match early. Marshall's 100 was more than four hours in the making. Northern had trailed by 246 runs on the first innings after Canterbury posted 515, an innings marked by centuries to Paul Wiseman and Brandon Hiini, batting at No.8 and 9 respectively.

Yesterday Wellington beat Auckland by an innings and 60 runs at the Basin Reserve.