Northern Brave held their nerve in a gripping contest against Canterbury Magicians in Christchurch, producing a composed all-round performance to clinch a memorable victory in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HJS) 2025-26. In a game filled with momentum shifts, partnerships, and individual brilliance, both teams showcased resilience, making it a contest that kept fans engaged until the very last over.
Northern Brave began their innings with steady intent, though Canterbury Magicians’s bowlers ensured there were no easy starts. Jess Watkin anchored the top order with a measured 19 off 42 balls, while Yasmeen Kareem added a brisk 19 from 26 deliveries, striking three boundaries to keep the scoreboard moving. The early wickets of Kareem at 37/1 and Tash Wakelin at 43/2 allowed Canterbury to maintain control, with Libby Stead striking key blows. However, a vital middle-overs partnership changed the complexion of the innings. Caitlin Gurrey compiled a fluent 57 off 59 balls, rotating strike effectively and finding seven fours, before combining with Nensi Patel for a crucial stand that revived momentum.
Patel’s aggressive 60 from 55 balls, including five boundaries and a six, pushed Northern Brave into a strong position as they rebuilt from 67/3 to cross the 150-run mark. Eve Wolland chipped in with 13 from 25 balls, while Holly Topp remained unbeaten on a composed 40 off 39 deliveries, guiding the lower order through the final overs alongside Marama Downes’ handy 19 from 19 balls. Northern Brave eventually reached 257 in 49.2 overs, with fall of wickets including 155/4 (Gurrey), 174/5 (Patel), and 257 all out, highlighting how Canterbury fought back late in the innings.
Canterbury Magicians’ bowling unit shared responsibilities evenly, with Libby Stead and Sarah Asmussen leading the attack. Stead returned figures of 4 for 48 in her 10 overs, removing key batters such as Yasmeen Kareem and Lucy Boucher, while Asmussen also claimed 4 for 48, dismissing Gurrey and Patel at pivotal moments. Melissa Banks provided control through the middle overs, finishing with 2 for 41 from 9.2 overs, and the supporting bowlers, Stella Cornelius, Abigail Hotton, and Kate Chandler, maintained pressure through tight spells despite going wicketless, ensuring Northern Districts had to work hard for every run.
Chasing a competitive target, Canterbury Magicians endured a nightmare start as Kate Chandler fell lbw to Marama Downes at 1/1, followed quickly by Darcy Prasad’s run-out at 2/1. Captain Kate Anderson steadied the innings with a magnificent 101 off 113 balls, striking nine boundaries and anchoring multiple rebuilding partnerships. She found support from Izzy Sharp, who made 24 off 43 balls, helping Canterbury recover to 65/3 before Kayley Knight broke through. Jodie Dean (8) and Kate Irwin (2) struggled to accelerate, leaving the chase delicately poised at 84/5.
A significant partnership between Anderson and Melissa Banks reignited hopes, with Banks contributing a valuable 63 from 89 deliveries as the pair carried the total beyond 200. However, the dismissal of Banks at 211/6 by Jess Watkin shifted momentum firmly back toward Northern Brave. Anderson’s departure at 215/7 further dented the chase, and despite late resistance from Sarah Asmussen (7*), Libby Stead (7*), and Stella Cornelius (4*), Canterbury finished on 237/9 in 50 overs.
Northern Brave bowlers executed their plans with discipline, sharing wickets across the attack. Marama Downes led from the front with 2 for 47 in her 10 overs, while Kayley Knight and Jess Watkin also picked up two wickets each, consistently breaking partnerships. Nensi Patel’s economical 1 for 43 and Tash Wakelin’s 1 for 32 added to the pressure, while Lucy Boucher kept things tight through her five overs. The collective effort ensured that Canterbury never fully seized control of the required run rate, despite Anderson’s century and Banks’ fighting knock.
In the end, Northern Brave sealed a hard-fought 20-run victory, underlining their depth with both bat and ball in this one-day match. The contest highlighted standout performances from Nensi Patel, Caitlin Gurrey, Holly Topp, and Kate Anderson, while the bowling units from both sides delivered impactful spells. With strong partnerships, timely breakthroughs, and a thrilling finish, this match will be remembered as a showcase of resilience and competitive spirit in New Zealand Women’s domestic cricket.
Loves all things female cricket