Wellington Firebirds opener Finn Allen has continued his push for higher honours, smashing a blockbusting century for his side in the Ford Trophy on Sunday.
Wellington won the toss at the Basin Reserve and chose to bat against the Otago Volts.
Allen and Blackcap Tom Blundell smashed the Volts bowlers to all parts of the ground, adding 191 for the opening wicket in just 20.3 overs.
The 21-year-old continued his red-hot summer with a blazing 128 off 59 balls - his hundred coming off only 50 deliveries, his first domestic 50-over century.
The fringe Blackcap smashed nine fours and 11 sixes as the Otago bowling attack spent more time picking the ball off the bank than bowling.
Allen's innings came to an end when he was caught behind off the bowling of Michael Rae, but the Firebirds continued the onslaught on the visitor's bowlers.
Blundell (151), Michael Bracewell (47) and Jamie Gibson (44) continued the assault, to lift Wellington through to 427/8.
The Firebirds' innings was a historic one - the Kiwi side recording the highest list A (domestic 50-over) score in history.
The Volts put up a valiant effort, going big themselves with 345.
Michael Rippon (84), Dale Phillips (62) and Nathan Smith (50no) all pitched in, but the 427 was never going to be challenged.
Wellington came into the contest in fifth place in the Ford Trophy standings and their big win was enough to earn a playoff spot after Canterbury beat Auckland in Rangiora.
The Cantabs will host the final next weekend and will wait the winner of the elimination final between the Firebirds and Northern Districts.
