A tight DLS win first up for Whitaker Civil Engineering Taranaki at the Chapple Cup

Some say you create your own luck, but this Taranaki team believes it’s sheer determination and fate!

Facing Nelson at Fitzherbert Park, Taranaki lost the toss and was sent in to bat. After the early loss of two quick wickets, the team steadied through two crucial partnerships, posting a very competitive total of 326. Rupert Young led the charge with a brilliant 108 off 106 balls, supported by Liam Muggeridge’s 83 off 86.

Nelson started aggressively, racing to 102 for 1 in 21 overs before rain interrupted play, with Taranaki behind on the DLS calculations. Taranaki’s only breakthrough had come from a moment of brilliance—a full-length dive at point and an off-balance direct hit at the stumps by Liam Carr.

When play resumed, Nelson needed 94 off 8 overs with 9 wickets in hand. With a wet ball and a fast outfield, Taranaki faced a tough challenge. However, the momentum shifted after a clutch over from debutant Lucas Vassiliou, who conceded only 7 runs in a high-pressure situation.

With 21 required off the final over, Carr turned the game on its head with an extraordinary display of fielding. Positioned at long-off, he was involved in two crucial run-outs at the bowler’s end before pulling off a jaw-dropping effort—a full-stretch dive to stop a ball smashed straight over the bowler, flicking it back mid-air, then diving again infield to complete a stunning catch.

A single off the last ball meant Taranaki clinched victory by 11 runs in a remarkable finish.

The team now faces Wairarapa in the first semi-final tomorrow at Fitzherbert Park, while Hawke’s Bay takes on Manawatu in the other semi-final.

Full competition details available here at Play HQ