The 27th match of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HJS) 2025-26 between Otago Sparks and Canterbury Magicians in Dunedin unfolded as a compelling contest that swung decisively on composure, partnerships and disciplined bowling. In this game, it was the Magicians who eventually chased down the target with authority, but not before Otago Sparks stitched together a competitive total built on key middle-order resistance.
Opting to bat first, Otago Sparks began cautiously after losing Kate Chandler early at 1-26 in 6.2 overs, setting the tone for a testing powerplay. Captain Felicity Leydon-Davis tried to anchor the innings, compiling a patient 18 off 45 balls before being trapped lbw by Libby Stead at 2-87 (18.2 overs). In between, Saffron Wilson (24 off 35) showed promise but fell stumped off Stead, while Caitlin Blakely (13 off 22) struggled to convert her start, departing at 3-132 (26.3 overs) after a catch by Stella Cornelius off Sarah Asmussen.
The middle phase saw Otago wobble as wickets fell at regular intervals. Anna Browning (8 off 15) was removed at 4-156 (30.3 overs), but the momentum briefly shifted thanks to a spirited cameo from Polly Inglis, who smashed 17 off just 9 balls, including three boundaries, lifting the scoring rate when it mattered. Despite resistance from the lower order—Isy Parry (30 off 38) and Emma Black (15 off 30)—Otago were eventually bowled out for 162 in 39.5 overs. The final wicket fell at 10-162, reflecting Canterbury’s relentless pressure.
Canterbury’s bowling unit delivered a clinical performance in this women’s cricket encounter. Libby Stead was outstanding, claiming 4 wickets for 30 runs in 10 overs at an economy of 3.00, breaking crucial partnerships. Abigail Hotton (3/36 in 9.5 overs) provided key breakthroughs in the latter stages, while Sarah Asmussen (2/51 in 10 overs) chipped in with vital middle-order scalps. Melissa Banks (1/21 in 6 overs) maintained tight lines, and Stella Cornelius (0/17 in 4 overs) supported well despite going wicketless.
Chasing 163, Canterbury approached the target with confidence. They lost Kate Chandler at 1-26 (6.2 overs) after a brisk 15 off 18 balls, caught by Inglis off Emma Black. However, captain Kate Anderson anchored the chase magnificently. Her unbeaten 84 off 82 balls, studded with 11 fours and a six, defined the innings. She found stability with Darcy Prasad (20 off 45) in a steady partnership that carried Canterbury to 2-87 (18.2 overs) before Prasad fell to Chloe Deerness.
The chase gained further momentum as Izzy Sharp (16 off 25) and Jodie Dean (16 off 17) contributed valuable runs. Sharp fell at 3-132 (26.3 overs), and Dean followed at 4-156 (30.3 overs), both dismissed by Emma Black, who finished as Otago’s standout bowler with 3/34 in 9.2 overs. Despite these setbacks, Anderson remained composed, guiding the side alongside Kate Irwin (4 not out) to reach 163/4 in 32.2 overs, sealing a six-wicket win with 106 balls remaining.
Otago’s bowling effort saw contributions from Chloe Deerness (1/21 in 4 overs), while Poppy Jay Watkins, Louisa Kotkamp, Felicity Leydon-Davis, Anna Browning and Caitlin Blakely tried to apply pressure but couldn’t contain Anderson’s fluent strokeplay.
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