Canterbury Magicians, led by skipper Lea Tahuhu, were up against Otago Sparks, led by skipper Polly Inglis, at Molyneux Park, Alexandra. Wellington Blaze skipper Amelia Kerr’s all-round show guided them to a comfortable win to start their campaign on a high.
Izzy Sharp’s unbeaten fifty helps Canterbury Magicians post 146/4
The Magicians lost both their openers after the Sparks skipper won the toss and opted to field first. Jodie Dean joined Izzy Sharp at the crease, and the duo stitched a much-needed 75-run partnership for the 3rd wicket to take the Magicians closer to the 100-run mark. Chloe Deerness broke the stand, by sending Jodie Dean (34 off 30 balls) back to the pavilion in the 14th over of the innings to provide the 3rd breakthrough for the Sparks.
The Magicians managed just 55 runs in just over 6 overs to end on a competitive total of 145/6 in their quota of 20 overs. Izzy Sharp (65* off 47 balls) with the bat for her side. There were as many as 14 extras. Emma Black (4-0-19-2), Poppy Jay Watkins (4-0-28-1), and Eva Gray (4-0-28-1) were impressive with the ball for Otago Sparks.
Laura Harris’s whirlwind half-century powers Otago Sparks over the line
Chasing a target of 146, the Sparks batters Felicity Laydon Davis (22 off 20 balls), Caitlin Blakely (22 off 16 balls) and skipper Polly Inglis (20* off 19 balls) chipped in with handy contributions with the bat.
However, it was the elder Harris sister, Laura, who stole the show by smashing the joint fastest half-century off just 15 balls, equaling the record set by Marie Kelly. Laura Harris’ knock of 52 (17 balls) infused the charge into the run chase as the Sparks got over the line with 6 wickets in hand and 31 balls to spare.
Melissa Banks (3-0-23-2) and Gabby Sullivan (3-0-31-2) picked up a couple of wickets each, with the ball for the Magicians.
Laura Harris was undoubtedly awarded the Player of the Match for her decisive impact with the bat, playing a crucial role in guiding her side over the line. Her knock included 6 boundaries and 4 maximums, scoring at an astonishing strike rate of 305.88.
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