BLACKCAPS duo deal Aces win

BLACKCAPS Kyle Mills and Scott Styris helped State Auckland Aces launch their State Twenty20 campaign in winning fashion against State Wellington Firebirds at Eden Park Outer Oval.

The 2006 finalists claimed a seven-wicket, home town win after Mills led the host attack with four for 20.

Styris took 2/35 before bludgeoning two sixes for 18 in 11 balls in the Auckland run chase.

An unbroken partnership of 60 in 44 balls by Stu Mills (50) and Luke Woodcock (36) helped Wellington to 148 for six, having been sent into bat and having lost both openers cheaply.

In contrast, Auckland opened with a stand of 62 between Lou Vincent (34) and Paul Hitchcock (36).

Captain Richard Jones wrapped up the victory with 47 not out off 29 balls guiding his side to their target with nine balls to spare.