Wellington's mediocre domestic cricket season continued with a heavy eight-wicket loss to Otago here today which saw them slump to the bottom of the one-day standings.
A dramatic tailorder collapse, in which Wellington's last five wickets fell within two overs for just three runs, saw the hosts dismissed for 169 with more than six overs to be bowled.
Otago knocked off the target with ease, cruising to 171 for two in 35.4 overs and snaring a bonus point which sees them clamber past Wellington into fifth place.
Opener Shaun Haig struck a composed, unbeaten 93 off 116 balls and received ideal support from captain Craig Cumming, whose unbeaten 52 came off 65 deliveries.
Former test seamer Mark Gillespie took two for 30 for Welllington while spinner Luke Woodcock's 10 overs conceded just 20 runs.
Otago medium pacer Anthony Bullick took three for 35, including two scalps during the late rout.
Wicketkeeper Chris Nevin top-scored for the hosts with 48 but he was one of several to tumble late in their innings, presenting a gift chase for Otago.
Wellington's woes extend beyond the one-day competition. They finished second last in the Twenty20 championship and have the same placing midway through the Plunket Shield first class competition.
NZPA