Watch: Part-time off-spinner Henry Cooper sealed a thrilling victory for Northern Districts over Auckland in the final scheduled over of play of their Plunket Shield clash, with the eight fielders around the bat celebrating wildly in the aftermath.
Northern Districts claimed a first-innings lead of close to 100 after bowling out Auckland for 158 in the first innings, and a century from Brett Hampton allowed them to set a notional 424 to win and more than four sessions to survive.
After reducing Auckland to 29-3, Northern Districts were cruising, but opener William O’Donnell and No.5 George Worker joined forces for more than 75 overs to raise the prospect of a successful rearguard. With time running out and four wickets still needed, Northern Districts turned to Cooper, their fifth-change bowler, to deliver some off-spin.
The 31-year-old came into the game with just five first-class wickets to his name, and added three to the tally in a match-winning spell. Auckland resisted bravely, with all of the bottom four facing at least 20 balls. Harjot Johal, at No.10, made 19 off 57 – twelve of his runs came in two sixes. But he was the last to fall, bowled by Cooper as the ball rolled onto his stumps with two balls left to play.
Northern Districts had all but one man round the bat, with the other fielder at square leg. They charged off in celebration, leaving Johal disconsolate holding his bat over his head.
The result gave Northern Districts a fourth win from six games this season. They are unbeaten, and sit top of the Plunket Shield standings.
Watch the winning moment below:
HENRY COOPER
He’s some boy!
Second best off-spinner in his family!
Victory number 4⃣ in the Plunket Shield secured with 2 balls remaining!
Sing the song loud and proud tonight lads
#NDTogether pic.twitter.com/H0XjyHossi
— Northern Districts (@ndcricket) March 11, 2024
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