An all-round effort from Otago helped them beat Central Districts by six wickets in the opening clash of the 2015-16 George Pie Super Smash in New Plymouth.

Central Districts were in disarray at 26 for 3, before Tom Bruce took charge. He hit six fours and four sixes in his unbeaten 51-ball 82 to repair the early damage, before a slew of wickets resulted in the final total of 139 for 8, a total lesser than they would have anticipated after opting to bat. Right-arm seamer Warren Barnes, on his Twenty20 debut, returned figures of 3 for 33 in his four overs.

Otago's chase was propelled by Anaru Kitchen (47) and Neil Broom (29), who added 74 for the first wicket before medium-pacer Andrew Mathieson put the brakes on with three quick wickets. But Brad Wilson (23 not out) and Nathan McCullum (22 off 11) helped Otago steer clear of the asking rate as they got past the target with 17 balls to spare.