India Today Taranaki A Dominate in Manawatu to Extend Lead at the Top

The India Today Taranaki A team continued their strong campaign with two convincing wins at Fitzherbert Park, Manawatu, on Sunday. Facing Horowhenua-Kapiti and Manawatu in back-to-back T20 fixtures, the team showcased dominant performances with both bat and ball, solidifying their position at the top of the table with a couple of rounds remaining.

Match 1: Taranaki A vs Horowhenua-Kapiti

Horowhenua-Kapiti posted 123 in their allotted 20 overs, with young spinner Jack Kelsen (2/19) and Robson Chapman (2/9 in 3 overs) leading the bowling effort.

Taranaki made light work of the chase, reaching the target in just 13.4 overs with four wickets in hand. Skipper Jacob Leuthard-Richards led from the front with an unbeaten 47 off 34 balls, well supported by Cooper Patterson’s 30* (21).

Match 2: Taranaki A vs Manawatu

Taranaki’s bowlers put on a clinical display to dismantle Manawatu for just 91 in 17 overs. Thomas Larkin was the standout with 3/19, while Sam Taylor, Jack Kelsen, and Cooper Patterson all claimed two wickets each. Opener Ryan Taylor was particularly economical, finishing with 1/5 from two overs.

The chase was a mere formality, as Jesse Vertongen launched a brutal assault on the Manawatu attack, smashing 51* off just 24 balls. He was well supported by Chapman, who finished on 37* (20), as Taranaki raced to victory in just 8.3 overs.

With these two wins, Taranaki A now lead the competition with a record of three wins, one loss, and one no result. The team has continued to grow throughout the season, and a special thanks goes to Peter Ingram for his leadership. Well done to all involved!