The 17th match of the New Zealand Cricket Women’s One Day Competition 2025–26 at Palmerston North showcased an impressive performance by Otago Women, who decisively outplayed Central Districts Women.
Otago started their innings with determination, led by captain Felicity Leydon-Davis, who brought a calm yet commanding presence to the crease. She was well-supported early on by Olivia Gain, who played a patient innings. Together, they built a solid opening partnership, frustrating the Central Districts bowlers and setting up a strong foundation before Gain was dismissed for 29, contributing to a promising stand of 84 runs.
The middle overs truly belonged to Otago. Saffron Wilson joined Leydon-Davis and the two built momentum with a seamless partnership, characterised by clean striking and smart rotation of the strike. This phase of the innings was pivotal, as Leydon-Davis went on to score a remarkable century, hitting 123 off 132 balls, and anchoring Otago’s innings throughout. Wilson supported her well with a solid 74 off 78 deliveries, ensuring that the scoreboard kept ticking.
As the innings progressed, Otago continued to apply the pressure. Bella James, Polly Inglis, Caitlin Blakely (19*), and Anna Browning (15*) all contributed with quick runs in the later stages, solidifying a formidable total and maintaining control over the match.
On the bowling side for Central Districts, Elizabeth Cohr stood out, claiming four wickets despite her expensive spell, providing occasional breakthroughs. Ashtuti Kumar picked up another wicket and bowled consistently well. At the same time, her teammates, Grace Foreman, Jessica Ogden, Flora Devonshire, Claudia Green, and Georgia Atkinson, struggled to make significant impacts as Otago’s batters dominated.
In response to the big target, Central Districts started positively with Emma McLeod and Georgia Atkinson forming a confident opening partnership. McLeod was particularly impressive, crafting a composed 72 off 85 balls, while Atkinson added a solid 35. Their partnership momentarily gave hope for a competitive chase, but once it was broken, the innings began to falter.
Otago’s bowlers then took command, with Chloe Deerness being exceptional, claiming three crucial wickets and frequently breaking partnerships. Emma Black and Anika Todd provided excellent support, each taking two wickets while keeping things tight. Caitlin Blakely and Felicity Leydon-Davis also contributed with the ball, preventing Central Districts from gaining any momentum.
Middle-order resistance from Flora Devonshire (19) and Kerry-Anne Tomlinson (23) came too late, as regular wickets dashed any chance of recovery. The lower order struggled against Otago’s disciplined bowling attack, leading to Central Districts being bowled out well before the completion of their overs.
It was a dominant display from Otago Women, marked by a brilliant century from Felicity Leydon-Davis, a strong partnership with Saffron Wilson, and a collective bowling effort that secured a comprehensive victory in the NZC Women’s One Day Competition 2025–26.
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