Northern Districts’ Scott Kuggeleijn set a new record for the fastest fifty in New Zealand first-class cricket, reaching the milestone in just 19 balls against Otago in the final round of the 2024-25 Plunket Shield in Dunedin. He surpassed the previous record of 20 balls, set by former New Zealand allrounder Andre Adams for Auckland in 1997-98.
Explosive Knock Sets Up ND’s Title Push
Promoted to open the batting for the first time in his first-class career, Kuggeleijn powered ND’s charge for victory and the Plunket Shield title with a blistering 71 off 26 balls at an astonishing strike rate of 273.07.
He wasted no time, smashing Matthew Bacon for a six off his fourth delivery. In Bacon’s next over, Kuggeleijn unleashed a brutal assault, hitting two sixes and two fours. By lunch on day three, ND were 38 for 3 in just three overs, leading by 304. After the break, he continued the carnage against left-arm pacer Andrew Hazeldine, hammering him for boundaries before bringing up his record-breaking fifty with a six in the sixth over.
At that point, ND were 70 for 0, with captain Jeet Raval playing second fiddle on 14 off 16 balls. This was Kuggeleijn’s second half-century of the match, following an unbeaten 53 off 32 balls in ND’s first-innings total of 411 for 7 declared.
Fireworks from Wagner and ND’s Late Charge
ND continued their aggressive approach after Raval fell to Jarrod McKay. In a bold move, Neil Wagner—playing his final domestic match in New Zealand—was sent in at No.3 with a license to attack. He delivered, smashing three sixes in his unbeaten 27 off just 11 balls.
Kuggeleijn looked set for his fifth first-class century until debutant Toby Hart bounced him out. By then, ND’s lead had already surpassed 350. Wagner, alongside Bharat Popli (21* off 13), pushed the advantage past 400 as Otago’s bowlers struggled, all finishing with economy rates above 10.
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ND Close in on Plunket Shield Title
With Otago set a daunting target of 407, ND tightened their grip by reducing them to 103 for 3 by stumps on day three. Wagner, in his farewell innings in New Zealand domestic cricket, dismissed Dale Phillips with a short ball that reared up sharply. Raval also chipped in with his part-time legspin, bowling both Jacob Cumming and Luke Georgeson.
Kuggeleijn pulled up with a potential injury midway through the 37th over, forcing Raval to turn to Robert O’Donnell to finish the over. Despite the setback, ND remains in a commanding position to claim the Plunket Shield and give Wagner a fitting send-off.
Kuggeleijn’s Franchise Journey & Future Plans
Ahead of the 2024-25 season, Kuggeleijn opted for a casual contract with ND, allowing him to play in franchise leagues overseas. He skipped New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition, the Super Smash, to represent Dubai Capitals in the UAE’s ILT20, where he won the title. Before that, he played for Sudur Paschim Royals in Nepal’s Premier League.
After completing his franchise commitments, Kuggeleijn returned to ND for the one-day Ford Trophy and the Plunket Shield, where he has made a significant impact.
As for Wagner, while this marks the end of his domestic career in New Zealand, he will continue playing county cricket in England, with his new team yet to be announced.
