Central Districts batsman Brad Schmulian has broken a record held since the late 19th century with his double ton against Northern Districts in the Plunket Shield on Wednesday.

Schmulian registered the highest ever score on debut in first class cricket in New Zealand with 203 - passing the previous record of 175 set by Canterbury's George Watson in the 1880/81 season.

The Hawke's Bay batsman came to the crease at No 5 on day three with CD in trouble on 59-4 in their first innings in reply to ND's 439-5 declared at Mt Maunganui.

But he motored to a century from 105 balls and was eventually out for 203 when he was caught and bowled by ND spinner Anton Devcich with CD 309-6 - trailing by 130 runs.

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The former Auckland A and age-group representative was ably assisted by Doug Bracewell (63) and they shared 224 runs for the sixth wicket.

Schmulian reached his double century with a four through the covers but was out just two balls later.

He finished on 203 from 207 balls having smashed 31 fours and three sixes and became just the 20th New Zealand cricketer to hit a century in his opening first class innings.

CD then declared - still trailing - on 313-7 and ND finished on 17-1 with a lead of 143 runs ahead of the final day on Thursday.

Northern Districts 439-5 dec (Bharat Popli 84, Tim Seifert 77, Daniel Flynn 62, Dean Brownlie 62; Doug Bracewell 4-47) and 17-1 (Daniel Flynn 14no) met Central Districts 313-7 dec (Brad Schmulian 203, Doug Bracewell 63no; Scott Kuggeleijn 3-67).

A top #PlunketShield debut for Brad Schmulian! A record that had stood since 1880/81. https://t.co/zdCdS3HFGa — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 25, 2017