Sensational performances by Ish Sodhi and Tim Seifert have guided Northern Districts to a crushing victory over the Wellington Firebirds in the latest round of the Plunket Shield played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. 

On day one Northern Districts Captain Daniel Flynn elected to bowl first.  In form seamer James Baker claimed his 150th first class wicket when he dismissed Wellington veteran Michael Papps (23).  Luke Woodcock top scored with 51 before being dismissed by Ish Sodhi.  When Michael Bracewell (16) was dismissed by Sodhi, Wellington had slumped to 124 for 6.  Scott Kuggeliejn and Sodhi ripped out the lower order as Wellington lost their last 6 wickets for just 13 runs.  Wellington finally dismissed for 137.  Ish Sodhi was again the chief destroyer as he captured his best first class figures with 7 for 30 in 15.3 overs. He was well supported by Scott Kuggeliejn who claimed two wickets. 

In reply Northern Districts posted 323 and gained a first innings lead of 186 runs.  The standout performance came from wicket keeper Tim Seifert who brought up his fourth first class century before being dismissed by Jetan Patel for 137.  Corey Anderson scored a dashing 61 off 65 balls (including 3 sixes) while Henry Cooper (32) and Nick Kelly (31) also made good contributions.  Jetan Patel was the pick of the bowlers capturing five wickets and in the process claimed his 750th first class wicket. 

Wellington openers made a bright start to their second innings before Michael Papps (39) was dismissed by James Baker.  When Tom Blundell was bowled by Zak Gibson without scoring Wellington were on the ropes at 82 for 5.  Ish Sodhi captured his 200th first class wicket when he trapped Dean Conway lbw for 4.  Wellington's tail were unable to handle the spin and guile of Sodhi who took the last three wickets to fall.  Wellington lost their last 5 wickets for 33 runs and were eventually dismissed for 130.  Northern Districts winning the match by an innings and 56 runs.  Ish Sodhi was again the star performer picking up 5 for 32 as he captured his best ever match figures of 12 for 62 beating his previous best of 11 for 189. 

Northern Districts remain in fourth place on the Plunket Shield table with 76 points.  They now face Central Districts in the final round of the competition starting on the 2nd of April from McLean Park in Napier.  

Article courtesy of Adam Bell on behalf of NDCA.