By Adam Hollingworth
After five failed attempts, a New Zealand team has tasted victory at the Twenty20 champions’ league.
The Auckland Aces accounted for Pakistan’s Sialkot Stallions, thanks in part to some strong performances from the team's BlackCap contingent.
The Aces’ bowlers made early inroads. Andre Adams then Azhar Mahmood forced more rash shots.
The Aces' fielding was near impeccable.
Kyle Mills hadn't shone for the BlackCaps in Sri Lanka, but in Johannesburg he conceded just six runs, with 16 dot balls.
Billawal Bhatti lost his grip and Kyle Mills' two for six were the most economical overs ever bowled in the champions' league.
“It's pretty exciting, I didn't wake up this morning expecting to do something like that but, you know, I’ll take it,” Mills says.
A score of 130 for nine was never enough, especially with Martin Guptill on song.
Guptill's 40 left Anaru Kitchen to smash 33 to see the Aces home, with six wickets and 17 balls to spare.
The Aces play Hampshire tomorrow - a win will guarantee progress to the next stage.
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