Patience pays off for Wellington

Patience had it rewards for Wellington who completed a 99-run Plunket Shield cricket win over Auckland today.

Wellington set the scene for a last day runchase by declaring their second innings closed at 280 for five just three overs into today's play at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

Captain Matthew Bell left Auckland a fair target of 363 off 103 overs on a pitch continuing to play well, but the visitors were not up to the task after the early removal of both openers.

Martin Guptill lasted just nine balls before departing leg before wicket then skipper Richard Jones, fresh from a century in the first innings, edged a wide offering from left-arm seamer Andy McKay to wicketkeeper Chris Nevin for 20.

Ravi Bopara, Anaru Kitchen and Scott Styris all made starts but were dismissed in the 20s after having established themselves.

Andrew de Boorder did better to score a thoughtful 47 although his departure left Auckland 205 for six at tea at which stage survival was their only thought.

Jeet Raval, who scored a double century during his rookie season last summer, topscored with 69 but lacked support for Auckland to even threaten their target.

The bowling workload was shared around, with seamer Dewayne Bowden and offspinner Jeetan Patel impressing most.

Bowden took three for 43 while Patel completed a busy match with three for 87 off 34.4 overs.

Confirming today in the New Zealand test team to play Pakistan next week, Patel ended the match with an analysis of seven for 160 off almost 71 overs.

- NZPA