Auckland Hearts produced a composed, well-paced performance to defeat Otago Sparks Women by 7 wickets (with 30 balls remaining) under the DLS method, in the third match of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2025-26, New Zealand Cricket Women’s One Day Competition, at Dunedin on November 15.
The Sparks, sent into bat, endured an innings of constant interruptions—both from tight bowling and regular wickets. Despite the early loss of Suzie Bates for 0, Saffron Wilson stood tall with a commanding 79 off 97 balls, striking 6 boundaries and holding the innings together. Emma Black fought hard for her 23 off 36, while Olivia Gain contributed 21 off 44, but the rest of the batting lineup collapsed around them. Otago were eventually bowled out for 185 in 42.1 overs.
Auckland’s bowling was clinical and consistently probing. Amie Hucker starred with figures of 3/31, extracting movement and troubling the top order. Fran Jonas (3/27) provided crucial breakthroughs through the middle overs, while Molly Penfold chipped in with 2/16 (6) and Maddy Green’s 2/13 (4) ensuring Otago never gained sustained momentum.
Chasing a revised DLS target of 155 from 39 overs, Auckland began steadily. After the early dismissal of Prue Catton for 25 off 36, Lauren Down played the anchor, compiling a mature 39 off 59. Her innings provided the perfect platform for Brooke Halliday, who delivered a composed, match-winning knock of 52 not out off 71 balls, guiding the chase with calm authority.
Halliday found strong support from Bella Armstrong, who finished unbeaten on 21 off 36, as the pair stitched together a fluent partnership of 44 to take Auckland home in 34 overs, sealing a comfortable seven-wicket victory.
Otago’s bowlers attempted to apply pressure—Louisa Kotkamp stood out with 2/19 from 4 overs, and Emma Black picked up a wicket in her spell of 1/35—but the total proved insufficient in conditions made easier by the reduced target.
Auckland’s disciplined bowling effort, followed by a calm and assured chase led by Halliday and Down, ensured they collected a convincing win early in the competition.
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