The Central Stags have opened up a five-point lead in domestic cricket's State Shield, following a six-wicket win in round five over nearest rivals the Northern Knights.
The Stags opening pair of George Worker and Peter Ingram set the victory up at Palmerston North's Fitzherbert Park with a record first-wicket stand of 161 runs.
Released from international duty, Ross Taylor also hit a quick fire 46.
In other action, a last ball six from Paul Hitchcock gave the Auckland Aces a three-wicket win over the Otago Volts at Eden Park's Outer Oval.
The win, Auckland's first of the season, wasn't enought to lift them off the bottom of the table, while Otago remain in third.
The Canterbury Wizards are in fourth after a 78-run win over the Wellington Firebirds in Christchurch.
