State Canterbury Wizards claimed first-innings points against outgoing State Champions Central Stags to take their place in next week’s final.
The Wizards’ middle order built on Shanan Stewart’s 146 to ensure they claimed the two points needed to leapfrog State Wellington Firebirds into second place in the table
Ben Rae (41), Kruger van Wyk (32) and Corey Anderson (29) contributed before an unbroken ninth-wicket stand between Iain Robertson (34not out) and Brandon Hiini (10no) completed the chase.
Jamie How’s first century of the season helped the Stags bow out as champions after posting 194 for four in their second innings, Hiini claiming three for 31.
The Wizards now travel to Hamilton’s Seddon Park to take on State Northern Knights in the five-day final, which commences on Thursday 22 March.
