The fifth match of the Women’s Super Smash 2025-26 at Alexandra offered a fascinating contest between Central Hinds and Otago Sparks, where disciplined bowling, timely partnerships, and a composed chase eventually tilted the game decisively in Otago’s favour. While the surface did not offer extravagant assistance, it demanded patience with the bat and clarity in execution, something Otago showcased far better across both innings to register a convincing seven-wicket victory with 34 balls to spare.
Central Districts Women’s innings never quite found sustained momentum after a rocky start. The trouble began almost immediately when Bryony Smith fell for a three-ball duck, edging to Laura Harris off Emma Black, who struck early to set the tone. The early blow exposed the middle order, and although Emma McLeod (7 off 11) attempted to steady things, she departed at 16/2 in 3.2 overs, caught off Louisa Kotkamp, who would go on to deliver a match-winning spell.
A brief rebuild followed through Grace Scrivens (14 off 19) and captain Hannah Rowe, but Otago’s bowling attack maintained relentless pressure. Rowe endured a scratchy stay and fell for a nine-ball duck at 18/3 in 5.4 overs, leaving Central Hinds in early trouble. Scrivens tried to hold one end but was dismissed at 32/4 in 7.6 overs, caught by Kotkamp off Anna Browning, further denting the innings.
The middle phase saw Kerry-Anne Tomlinson (12 off 8) and Flora Devonshire (7 off 4) inject some urgency with quick cameos, lifting the score from 32/4 to 46/6. However, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Devonshire was dismissed at 46/6 in the 9.4th over, and Central Hinds slipped deeper under pressure. The most meaningful resistance came late through Rosemary Mair (33 off 32), who played with composure and intent, striking three boundaries and anchoring the lower order.
She found support in Kate Gaging (19* off 25) and Ashtuti Kumar (12* off 7), adding valuable runs in the death overs. Mair’s dismissal at 92/7 in 17.3 overs slowed the final push, but the trio ensured Central Hinds crossed the 100-run mark, eventually reaching 116/8 in 20 overs.
Otago’s bowling effort was collective and incisive. Louisa Kotkamp (3/24) was outstanding, striking key blows in the top and middle order. Emma Black (2/22) set the tone early, while Eva Gray (1/27) and Chloe Deerness (1/20) kept things tight. Poppy Jay Watkins impressed with her control, conceding just 12 runs in 3 overs, ensuring Central Hinds were never allowed to break free.
In reply, Otago Women approached the chase with clarity. Although Bella James (8 off 14) fell early at 31/1 in 3.4 overs, the innings was soon steadied by Felicity Leydon-Davis (23 off 15), who counter-attacked with four boundaries. She shared a brisk partnership with Caitlin Blakely, lifting the chase forward before being run out at 44/2 in 5.5 overs. From there, Otago took complete control.
Blakely (32* off 28) anchored the innings with maturity, rotating strike efficiently, while Laura Harris (24 off 16) played freely, striking three fours and a six to push the run rate comfortably ahead. Their partnership brought the target within touching distance before Harris was dismissed at 72/3 in 9.2 overs. Captain Polly Inglis (19* off 14) joined Blakely and ensured there were no further hiccups, guiding Otago home in just 14.2 overs. The calm finish underlined Otago Women’s superiority in the chase, as they reached 117/3 with ease.
Central Districts’ bowlers tried valiantly, with Elizabeth Cohr (1/14) and Hannah Rowe (1/31) picking up wickets, while Flora Devonshire (0/13) bowled economically. However, the lack of early breakthroughs proved costly.
Otago Sparks’ disciplined bowling and composed batting display sealed a deserved victory, with Louisa Kotkamp named Player of the Match for her decisive spell. The result further strengthened Otago’s position at the top of the Women’s Super Smash 2025-26 points table, while Central Hinds were left searching for answers after another batting collapse.
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