Wellington Firebirds 132-8 in 20 overs (Malcolm Nofal 28, Kyle Jamieson 3-22, Cole McConchie 3-28) lost to Canterbury Kings (Chad Bowes 72, Steven Murdoch 26) by seven wickets at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
The Kings finished the season on a high with a dominant display against the Firebirds thanks to some individual standouts in a strong team performance.
The Kings went hard at the Firebirds right from the start, when skipper Cole McConchie got the dangerous Michael Bracewell stumped by Cam Fletcher in the first over.
Malcolm Nofal came in at four and was the only Firebird to spend meaningful time at the crease as he put together his side's top score of 28. Kyle Jamieson, who has a handy lead at the top of the wicket taking table with 22 scalps, finished with 3-22, including the big wicket of Devon Conway (11).
McConchie showed great guile and control at the bowling crease, finishing with 3-22 as the visitors could only manage 132-8 in their 20 overs.
It didn't look anywhere near enough when Chad Bowes and Steven Murdoch came out swinging. The pair made 67 for the first wicket, which was undone when Logan van Beek took Murdoch's wicket for 26 from 24 balls.
Bowes was harsh on the Firebird's pace and slower bowlers alike with some strong drives down the ground as he plundered eight fours and two sixes in his innings.
Luke Woodcock eventually got Bowes caught and bowled driving back down the pitch for 72 from 43 with the finishing line in sight. Andy Ellis struck 23 from 16 at the close to help the men in purple run down the total with three overs to spare to reward the Hagley faithful for their support all season.
