Summary of this article
Central Districts piled up 349/5, powered by Will Young’s century
Dane Cleaver and Josh Clarkson provided late-innings acceleration
Wellington bowled out for 138, losing the Eliminator by 211 runs
Central Districts produced a stunning performance in the Eliminator of The Ford Trophy 2025-26, demolishing Wellington by a massive 211 runs at the Basin Reserve in Wellington to book their place in the next phase of the New Zealand domestic one-day competition.
Chasing the knockout thrill, Wellington won the toss and chose to field but were immediately put under pressure by a relentless batting display from the Central Stags.
The Stags piled up a colossal 349/5 in their 50 overs, powered by a commanding 105 from Will Young and a quickfire 75 from Dane Cleaver, while Dane’s explosive support from Josh Clarkson (47 off 19) ensured the innings kept accelerating in the back end.
The total proved far too daunting for Wellington, whose innings never recovered momentum after early losses. Wellington were dismissed for just 138 in 32.2 overs, with Central Districts’ bowlers keeping things tight and taking key wickets at regular intervals to keep the run rate in check.
Central Districts vs Wellington, The Ford Trophy 2025-26 Eliminator: Toss Update
Wellington captain Nick Kelly has won the toss and opted to bowl first.
Central Districts vs Wellington, The Ford Trophy 2025-26 Eliminator: Playing XIs
Central Districts: Brad Schmulian, Curtis Heaphy, Will Young, Dean Foxcroft, Dane Cleaver (wk), Josh Clarkson, Angus Schaw, Brett Randell, Toby Findlay, Jayden Lennox (c), Raymond Toole.
Wellington: Jesse Tashkoff, Nick Greenwood, Tim Robinson, Nick Kelly (c), Muhammad Abbas, Tom Blundell (wk), Nathan Smith, Oscar Jackson, Peter Younghusband, Michael Snedden, James Hartshorn.
Central Districts vs Wellington, The Ford Trophy 2025-26 Eliminator: Full Squads
Central Districts: Brad Schmulian, Curtis Heaphy, Will Young, Dean Foxcroft, Dane Cleaver (wk), Josh Clarkson, Angus Schaw, Brett Randell, Jayden Lennox (c), Blair Tickner, Toby Findlay, Raymond Toole, Ajaz Patel, Joey Field, William Clark.
Wellington: Jesse Tashkoff, Nick Greenwood, Oscar Jackson, Tim Robinson, Nick Kelly (c), Muhammad Abbas, Tom Blundell (wk), Nathan Smith, Peter Younghusband, Michael Snedden, James Hartshorn, Sam Mycock, Ryan Tsourgas, Gareth Severin, Liam Dudding, Callum McLachlan.
Central Districts vs Wellington, The Ford Trophy 2025-26 Eliminator: Live Streaming Details
The Central Districts vs Wellington, The Ford Trophy 2025-26 Eliminator match will be live-streamed on the New Zealand Cricket YouTube channel for free globally. There will be no television broadcast of the match.
