The Wellington Blaze vs Otago Sparks clash in the 2025-26 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HJS) delivered a gripping finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last over. In a game defined by resilience, partnerships, and crucial breakthroughs with the ball, Wellington Blaze showcased their composure under pressure to clinch a dramatic two-run victory. The contest reflected the competitive intensity of women’s List A cricket, with both teams’ producing standout individual performances and key bowling spells that shaped the momentum throughout the match.
Wellington Blaze’s innings began cautiously after early breakthroughs from Otago’s disciplined attack. Captain Georgia Plimmer tried to anchor the innings with a steady 29 off 39 balls, finding five boundaries before falling to Poppy Jay Watkins, who immediately made an impact with the ball. Hannah Francis added 8 from 21 deliveries but was also dismissed by Watkins, leaving Wellington under pressure in the early stages. Xara Jetly’s brief stay ended on 7, bowled by Anna Browning, as Otago tightened their grip.
The innings was revived by a crucial middle-order partnership between Jess Kerr and wicketkeeper Jessica McFadyen. Kerr’s composed half-century, 51 from 51 balls with seven boundaries, provided the backbone, while McFadyen’s patient 33 off 54 balls ensured Wellington rebuilt after slipping to 44/4. Their stand carried the side past the 100-mark before Kerr was caught off Felicity Leydon-Davis. Lower-order contributions, including late runs from Chloe Deerness (7*), Louisa Kotkamp (3*), and valuable extras, helped Wellington push towards a competitive 219/9 in 50 overs.
For Otago Sparks, Watkins led the bowling charts with an impressive 4/39 from her 10 overs, while Browning claimed 2/34. Emma Black (1/40), Felicity Leydon-Davis (1/44), and the supporting spells from Kotkamp and Deerness ensured Wellington never fully accelerated.
Chasing a target of 222, Otago Sparks reply revolved around a determined innings from Felicity Leydon-Davis, who anchored the chase with a patient 80 off 124 balls, striking six boundaries. Early wickets, however, disrupted their rhythm as Hannah Francis struck first to remove Olivia Gain for 2 at 40/1, followed by Georgia Plimmer’s run-out involvement that sent Saffron Wilson back for 5 at 45/2. Isy Parry’s stay was short-lived, trapped lbw by Francis, leaving Otago at 65/3. A stabilising phase arrived through Caitlin Blakely’s 26 and captain Polly Inglis’ 12, but Wellington’s bowlers kept chipping away at regular intervals.
Anna Browning’s fluent 46 off 50 balls reignited hopes during a crucial middle-overs partnership with Leydon-Davis, lifting Otago past 150 and bringing the chase back on track. Yet wickets at key moments shifted the momentum again, Jess Kerr dismissed Browning, while Sam Mackinder’s late cameo of 7 ended to Poppy Jay Watkins. Emma Black added a brisk 21, but a sharp run-out halted their push during the death overs.
Wellington’s bowling unit shared the workload effectively. Hannah Francis led the charge with figures of 3/44, striking in the powerplay and middle overs to disrupt Otago’s chase. Rachel Bryant delivered a vital spell of 2/31, while Xara Jetly (1/43) and Jessica Simmons (1/24) maintained pressure through tight lines. Jess Kerr’s economical 10-over spell of 0/34 also proved pivotal in controlling the scoring rate. Despite Leydon-Davis’ valiant effort and Isla McKenzie’s unbeaten 52 from 59 balls towards the end, Otago Sparks fell agonisingly short, two runs short, finishing at 221/9 in 50 overs.
Loves all things female cricket