The eighth match of the Women’s Super Smash 2025-26 in Auckland unfolded as a tightly contested battle of discipline and composure, where Auckland Hearts showcased superior control in the chase to secure a five-wicket victory over Wellington Blaze with seven balls to spare.
Wellington Blaze began their innings looking to establish momentum early through Georgia Plimmer and Ellyse Perry. Plimmer played the anchor’s role at the top, rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries on her way to a steady 36 off 34 balls, striking four boundaries. Perry provided brief acceleration, scoring 19 from 17 balls with a four and a six, before falling at 45 for the first wicket in the 6.4th over, caught by Isabella Gaze off Josie Penfold.
The middle overs saw Wellington struggle to maintain fluency as Auckland’s bowlers tightened their lines. Rebecca Burns laboured for timing and was dismissed for 7 off 15 balls, while Plimmer followed soon after, caught by Bella Armstrong off Maddie Green at 64 for three. Captain Jess Kerr attempted to rebuild alongside Maitlan Brown, but both found boundaries hard to come by. Kerr managed 11 from 17 deliveries before being caught by Prue Catton off Green, while Brown contributed 19 off 18 balls before falling at 96 in the 17.5th over.
Lower down the order, Xara Jetly’s run-a-ball eight ended in a run-out involving Lauren Down and Green, while Hannah Francis added a late burst with 11* off eight balls before another sharp run-out involving Brooke Halliday and Gaze closed Wellington’s innings at 112 for 7.
Auckland’s bowling effort was well-distributed, with Josie Penfold leading the attack with figures of 2 for 17, Bella Armstrong claiming 1 for 14 at an excellent economy of 3.50, Maddie Green picking up 1 for 6, and Molly Penfold chipping in with 1 for 24. Amie Hucker and Bree Illing bowled economically despite going wicketless.
Chasing 113, Auckland Hearts lost an early wicket when Prue Catton was dismissed for 2, caught by Isla McKenzie off Jess Kerr. Isabella Gaze counterattacked immediately, striking 22 from just 13 balls, including three boundaries and a six, before being bowled by Ellyse Perry. Brooke Halliday struggled to find rhythm and departed for seven, caught by McKenzie off Xara Jetly, leaving Auckland at 37 for three.
The pivotal phase arrived with Maddie Green and Lauren Down at the crease. Green anchored the innings with maturity and intent, striking a composed 53 off 45 balls with seven boundaries, absorbing pressure and rotating strike efficiently. Down, however, was dismissed for four, caught by Kerr off Nicole Baird at 52 for four, briefly swinging momentum back Wellington’s way.
Bella Armstrong then partnered Green in a crucial unbeaten stand, contributing a valuable 20* from 21 balls, while Josie Penfold added finishing touches with an unbeaten seven off seven deliveries. The partnership ensured Auckland crossed the line at 115 for 5 in 18.5 overs. Wellington’s bowling had moments of promise, with Jess Kerr finishing with 1 for 31, Ellyse Perry claiming 1 for 21 at a tight economy, Xara Jetly impressing with 2 for 14, and Nicole Baird taking 1 for 21. Maitlan Brown bowled four steady overs without reward.
Maddy Green’s calm fifty proved the difference, guiding Auckland Women to a crucial Super Smash victory and reinforcing their chase credentials, while Wellington were left to reflect on missed opportunities despite a disciplined bowling display in patches.
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