GRAHAM Napier made a sensational winning start to his winter in New Zealand.
The Essex all-rounder took 3-44 as the Wellington Firebirds thrashed the Canterbury Wizards by an innings and 42 runs at the Basin Reserve to open their State Championship campaign with a resounding victory.
Napier was on fine bowling form in the Wizards' second innings, removing Todd Astle, Shanan Stewart and Michael Davidson as Canterbury subsided to 224 all out.
Earlier, the 28-year-old had made a duck as the Firebirds piled up 428-8 in their first innings before bowling their opponents out for just 162.
Wellington return to action in their second State Championship game of the new season against the Auckland Aces at Eden Park Outer Oval on Monday, November 24.
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