Northern Knights batsman Bharat Popli has joined the ranks of Martin Crowe, Jeff Crowe, Graeme Hicks and Michael Papps who have scored 1000 runs in a New Zealand first-class season.

The 25-year-old from Bay of Plenty achieved this at Hagley Oval yesterday when he reached 32 in the second innings against Canterbury.

Popli in action Photo: BoP Cricket

He is unbeaten on 36 overnight, having helped the Knights build a 130-run lead over embattled defending champions Canterbury.

Canterbury v SKYCITY Northern Knights at Hagley Oval

Scorecard

First innings batting bonus points, Knights: 0 (completed), Canterbury 2 (completed)

First innings bowling bonus points: Canterbury 4 (completed), Knights 4 (completed)