Women’s Super Smash: Day 3 – Rachel Priest and bowlers hand Wellington Blaze 9-wicket win over Otago Sparks
Wellington Blaze bundled out Otago Sparks on 96 runs and later chased the target in 15 overs to win the only Women’s Super Smash match held on the third day of the tournament. Rachel Priest hit an unbeaten half-century while Sophie Devine, Jess Kerr and Amelia Kerr shared 9 wickets between them.
The match between the two sides was played at Basin Reserve. Batting first, Otago Sparks stumbled. Wellington Blaze bowlers deprived the Sparks’ of a steady partnership as wickets kept falling at intervals. Wicketkeeper-bat Katey Martin remaining not out on 32 off 38 while Bella James made 21 runs in 27 balls. None of the other batters could score in double digits. The Blaze’s bowling was exceptional. Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr and Jess Kerr bagged 3-wicket hauls. Sparks were bowled out in the penultimate ball of the match on 96 runs.
Contrary to the Sparks, Blaze had a steady start. Openers Rachel Priest and Rebecca Burns were involved in a 66-run partnership for the first wicket which set the tone for the chase. Burns departed on 27(33) in the 10th over but Priest stayed to complete her half-century. She remained not out on 50 off 46 and along with Maddy Green, who made 18* off 20, helped complete the chase. Green hit a four in the 4th ball of the 15th over to win the match by 9 wickets.
Otago Sparks: 96 all-out in 19.5 overs
Wellington Blaze: 100/1 in 14.4 overs
Result: Wellington Blaze win by 9 wickets
Next Fixture: Northern Spirit will meet Auckland Hearts at Seddon Park on December 22 on day 4 of Women’s Super Smash.
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