The 23rd match of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HJS) 2025-26 at Wellington on February 8, 2026, delivered a compelling contest as Wellington Blaze outplayed Otago Sparks by 35 runs, producing a well-rounded performance with both bat and ball. The match unfolded with momentum swings, key partnerships, and disciplined bowling spells that ultimately shaped the result.
Batting first after losing the toss, the Blaze faced early pressure when captain Georgia Plimmer fell for 21 from 31 balls, dismissed by Poppy Jay Watkins after a steady opening stand that set a cautious platform. The innings truly gathered substance when Hannah Francis anchored the middle order with a composed and commanding knock. Francis crafted a superb 92 off 96 balls, striking 13 boundaries, and showed excellent game awareness as wickets fell around her.
She found valuable support in Xara Jetly, who contributed 17 from 27 balls before being dismissed by Anna Browning, ending a stabilising partnership that pushed Wellington past the 50-run mark. A brief stumble followed as Jess Kerr departed for a duck, but Jessica McFadyen and Isla McKenzie rebuilt with intent. McFadyen’s 43 from 70 balls was crucial in absorbing pressure, while McKenzie added a fluent 23 off 30 balls, rotating strike effectively.
The lower middle order then provided the acceleration Wellington needed late in the innings. Polly Inglis played a sharp cameo of 42 off just 30 deliveries, including six fours and a six, forming an important partnership with Anna Browning, who remained unbeaten on 53 from 70 balls. Their stand pushed the innings forward decisively, despite wickets tumbling regularly. Wellington Blaze closed at 246 for 9 in 50 overs, aided by 22 extras.
Otago Sparks bowling effort was led by Emma Black, who delivered an outstanding spell of 4 for 21 from 10 overs, maintaining relentless accuracy. Xara Jetly chipped in with 2 for 33, while Jess Kerr claimed 2 for 35, and Hannah Francis, Nicole Baird, and Isla McKenzie each picked up a wicket to ensure Otago stayed competitive.
Chasing the target, Otago Sparks struggled to build sustained momentum. Olivia Gain fell early for 15, followed soon after by Saffron Wilson, leaving Otago two down inside ten overs. Captain Felicity Leydon-Davis attempted to steady the innings with a determined 40 off 48 balls, forming partnerships with Isy Parry and later Polly Inglis, but the required rate steadily climbed. Leydon-Davis’ dismissal at 114 proved pivotal, as wickets began to fall at regular intervals.
Polly Inglis showed resistance with a brisk 42, while Anna Browning played a fighting unbeaten knock of 53, but support from the lower order was limited. Sam Mackinder added 15, Jessica Simmons chipped in with 9, and late cameos from Nicole Baird and Rachel Bryant were not enough to shift the momentum. Otago Sparks were eventually bowled out for 211 in 42.5 overs.
Wellington’s bowling unit was clinical throughout the chase. Emma Black starred again, this time with the batters under pressure, finishing with 4 for 21, while Louisa Kotkamp, Chloe Deerness, and Poppy Jay Watkins each took key wickets at crucial junctures. The collective discipline ensured Otago never truly threatened the target. In the end, Wellington Blaze’s depth with both bat and ball, highlighted by strong partnerships and incisive bowling spells, secured a deserved 35-run victory.
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