At the Basin Reserve, Wellington: Wellington Firebirds 234-5 off 20 overs (Tim Robinson 139 off 64, Nick Kelly 47 off 34) beat Otago Volts 160 (Jake Gibson 56 off 31, Dean Foxcroft 29 off 23) by 74 runs
It’s now recommended spectators farewell loved ones with a prolonged hug, and comprehensive insurance coverage, when they watch Firebirds opening batter Tim Robinson during T20 Super Smash fixtures this summer.
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Firebirds batter Tim Robinson celebrates his maiden century during the T20 Super Smash win over the Otago Volts in Wellington.
You heard it here first. Here’s why.
Robinson, who cracked 139 runs off 64 balls on Thursday to post his maiden T20 century, sent the ball in all directions against the Otago Volts at the Basin Reserve in Wellington as the Firebirds posted a 74-run victory.
With the white ball pinging all around the venue when Robinson was on strike, unwary spectators risked serious injury, or possibly worse, if they were distracted by their hot dogs or needless chatter.
Robinson came close to surpassing the record score of 141 set by Michael Bracewell during the 2021-2022 season, but was dismissed on the final ball of the innings when Ben Lockrose caught him off the bowling of Matt Bacon.
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Tim Robinson, right, leaves the field before being called back to the crease during the T20 Super Smash match.
Never mind. The damage had been done. It was left to the Volts to try and pick up the pieces.
They couldn’t. Jake Gibson high-scored for the Volts, with 56 runs off 31 balls.
What an innings it was from Robinson; the right-hander hit 10 sixes and 10 boundaries to ensure the Firebirds posted the second highest T20 score by a New Zealand team in this country.
Did Robinson have some luck along the way? He did. The Volts, regretfully, were poor in the field and any chance of winning slipped through their fingers.
Robinson was dropped several times early on, and then had the fortune of seeing Dale Phillips stand on the boundary rope when it appeared he had knocked the ball back into the field of play and regathered for a spectacular catch in the final over.
Robinson, believing he had been dismissed for 121 off 60 balls, walked towards the pavilion but was recalled when replays showed Phillips had trod on the thick string.
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Tim Robinson, right, enjoys a laugh with the Volts’ Dean Foxcroft at the Basin Reserve.
After his innings, Robinson told TVNZ he felt he had a point to prove.
“A little bit, I had a big winter and everyone talks about first-year jitters,” Robinson said. “I think totally understand that now, and am trying to make the most of everything that comes my way.”
In reference to his 10 sixes, he said he was motivated to entertain the crowd. “I felt great. I got a bit lucky at the start there, so tried to cash in on a few of those mistakes.”
Big moment
It’s hardly in the Christmas spirit to put the shoe into the losing team, but here we go. The Volts dropped several catches, and their fumbles cost them: Robinson prospered. It must be noted, however, that the comet grassed by Oli White was very difficult. The others, not so much.
In saying that, the Volts executed a fine run-out of Muhammad Abbas, thanks to an accurate throw by Dale Phillips to wicketkeeper Max Chu, but it meant little in the final analysis.
Best with the bat
You won’t get a single penny for guessing this. Robinson. See above for explanation.
Best with the ball
Peter Younghusband and Iain McPeake, both from the Firebirds, nabbed three wickets each to contribute to a demoralising loss for the Volts.
Big picture
The Firebirds have netted their first win over the year. Their next fixture is on Christmas Eve, against the Auckland Aces at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The Volts are slated to meet the Canterbury Kings at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Boxing Day.
