The 22nd match of Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HJS) 2025-26 in Auckland turned into a pulsating contest as Auckland Hearts edged Central Hinds by just six runs in a high-scoring thriller. In what will be remembered as one of the most gripping encounters of the tournament, fans witnessed commanding centuries, vital middle-order partnerships, disciplined spells under pressure, and a dramatic finish that kept the result hanging until the final over.
Opting to bat first, Auckland Hearts had a shaky beginning when Lauren Down was run out for 1 (6 balls) at 1.3 overs, followed quickly by Prue Catton, who managed 4 off 6 before Hannah Rowe struck. At 11 for 2 inside two overs, Central Hinds had the early momentum. However, what followed was a defining partnership that shifted the match flow entirely. Captain Maddy Green produced a captain’s knock of 109 off 98 balls, striking 15 boundaries, while Bella Armstrong compiled a fluent 75 from 83 deliveries (8 fours). The duo stitched together a massive 181-run stand for the third wicket, rescuing Auckland from early trouble and building the foundation for a formidable total.
Armstrong was dismissed at 192 in the 30.5 over, but Green continued to anchor the innings until she fell at 209 in the 34.5 over. The middle overs belonged to Auckland as Isabella Gaze added a brisk 54 from 51 balls (5 fours), sharing a valuable 68-run partnership with Green. Later, Josie Penfold (24 off 36) and Olivia Anderson (5 off 12) chipped in to maintain momentum. In the death overs, Ayaan Lambat’s unbeaten 10 off 6 balls ensured a strong finish. Auckland Women closed their innings at 299/8 in 50 overs, a commanding total built on resilience and structured partnerships.
For Central Hinds, Rosemary Mair was the standout bowler, delivering a disciplined spell of 7-1-27-3, removing Green, Gaze, and Penfold at crucial junctures. Hannah Rowe (8-0-59-2) provided early breakthroughs, while Jessica Ogden (9-0-45-1) and Ashtuti Kumar (10-0-50-1) offered steady support. Despite conceding runs in phases, Central Hinds managed to restrict the total under 300, which ultimately kept them in the contest.
Chasing 300, Central Hinds suffered an early setback when Georgia Atkinson was trapped lbw by Amie Hucker for 4 (2 balls) at 1-9. From there, Emma McLeod (79 off 93, 6 fours) and Cate Pedersen (97 off 120, 9 fours) constructed a patient and match-defining 182-run partnership for the second wicket, steering CD-W to 191 by the 35.1 overs. Their stand shifted pressure back onto Auckland and brought the equation well within reach.
McLeod fell first, and Pedersen followed agonisingly short of a century at 203 in the 37.6 over. Captain Hannah Rowe (6 off 9) and Flora Devonshire (22 off 28) tried to steady things, but wickets began to tumble at regular intervals, 226, 232, and 236, tightening the chase. The momentum briefly swung again when Kerry-Anne Tomlinson launched a counterattack with 45 off just 24 balls (7 fours), bringing the target within striking distance before she became the final wicket at 293 in 49.2 overs.
Auckland’s bowling attack held their nerve under immense pressure. Amie Hucker (8-0-57-2) struck early, while Ayaan Lambat impressed with 9-0-43-2, including key middle-order breakthroughs. The experienced Maddy Green (8.2-0-45-3) delivered decisive blows in the final overs, supported by Molly Penfold (7-0-41-1). Despite Central Hinds finishing at 293 all out in 49.2 overs, just seven runs short of the target of 300, Auckland Hearts emerged victorious by six runs in a dramatic climax.
