Kiwi team nakes bright start to CL
Kane Williamson blasted an unbeaten century to hand Northern Districts a 33-run winning start to the Champions League Twenty20 tournament in India.
Accomplished Black Caps international Williamson struck 101 off just 49 balls against South African champions the Cape Cobras, lifting Northern to an imposing 5-206.
The Cobras were restricted to 2-44 off 7.2 overs before rain stopped the contest, with Northern the clear winners under the Duckworth Lewis method.
It continued an outstanding week in Raipur for the New Zealand domestic champions, who won all three of their qualifying games at the same venue comfortably.
Opener Williamson struck eight fours and five sixes in a consummate knock, sharing an opening stand of 140 inside 14 overs with Anton Devcich, who reached 67 off 46 balls.
New Zealand Test opening bowlers Trent Boult (1-8) and Tim Southee (0-10) were again effective from two overs each, ensuring the Cobras fell well behind the required run rate from the outset.
Northern’s next opponents at Raipur on Tuesday are the Hobart Hurricanes, who lost their opening pool match.
The top two teams from two pools of five qualify for the semi-finals.
