Napier outshines Bopara in T20 final

Ross Taylor and Graham Napier combined to see off Ravi Bopara's Auckland in New Zealand's domestic Twenty20 final today

Graham Napier got the better of his Essex team-mate Ravi Bopara to aid Central Stags’ 78-run victory over Auckland Aces in the final of New Zealand’s domestic Twenty20 competition.

Napier claimed two wickets, bowling Bopara for three to leave the Aces nine for four at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth.

Auckland limped to 128 all out in 16.1 overs as the Stags secured a place in the second edition of the Champions League Twenty20.

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor earlier smashed 80 off 30 balls for the Stags, including eight sixes and five fours.

Taylor enjoyed profitable partnerships with opener Peter Ingram, who made 54 from 36 deliveries, and Kieran Noema-Barnett, who contributed 49 off 28, to post 206 for six in 20 overs.

Bopara endured a frustrating day, conceding 24 runs in one over, although his other two went for a total of eight.

Napier came in for the last three balls on the Stags’ innings, but did not face a delivery.

Bopara occupied eight deliveries before becoming Napier’s second victim en route to 2-17 from three overs, figures matched by fellow opening bowler Michael Mason.

Jimmy Neesham top-scored for Auckland with 39 from 20 balls.