Howick Pakuranga hosts T20 final

It’s finals time in the Premier Men’s Honda Financial Premiership T20 Championship this Sunday with Howick Pakuranga will host East Coast Bays at Lloyd Elsmore Park.

Both sides topped their respective pools with 5-2 records before advancing to Sunday’s showdown winning rain-shortened semi-finals.

Bays’ batsman Seb Langridge said a never-say-die attitude has been a hallmark of his sides’ T20 campaign.

“Although we haven’t put many huge totals on the board, we have always remained in the fight with our bowling and fielding efforts.

“Our top-order is vital to our success; they give our bowlers a lot of confidence. We have guys in our top-4, who are banging down doors for higher honours.”

Asked about the backing the team might get on Sunday, Langridge is hopeful of some added support from his North Harbour neighbours.

“We’re hoping the entire North Shore get behind us. It’s battle of the bridge. Who knows? We might even get some Pirates cheering us on.”

For Howick Pakuranga, it is a chance to build on their T20 success, making a third final in four years.

Skipper Andrew Morrison said hosting the T20 Final will be a great occasion and awesome for the club.

“We’ve been extremely lucky to have such good local support, so having the chance to play a final at our home ground is special.”

Morrison also touched on what has helped get Howick Pakuranga to another T20 Final.

“As a team, we enjoy playing the format. We’ve put a big emphasis on short-form cricket over the last few years and have benefited from giving young talent opportunities to play with freedom,” said Morrison.

“We know East Coast Bays have a talented team of their own, who have come a long way in recent seasons. We’ve just got to make sure we focus on our own game.”

Courtesy Auckland Cricket

T20 Championship Final | Howick Pakuranga vs East Coast Bays
Sunday January 31, 2pm
Lloyd Elsmore Park