Central Hinds edged out Canterbury Magicians by a narrow seven-run margin in a high-scoring, momentum-shifting contest in the 9th match of the Women’s Super Smash 2025–26 at Nelson, a game that swung repeatedly before being decided in the final over. In a clash defined by fearless batting, late-innings pressure, and decisive middle-over bowling, Central Hinds held their nerve to defend a challenging target and climb the points table.
Asked to bat first, Central Hinds set the tone early through an aggressive opening stand that immediately put the Magicians on the back foot. Bryony Smith was fluent from the outset, mixing timing with intent as she raced to 45 off just 25 balls, striking eight fours and a six. Her opening partner ensured stability while Smith dominated the scoring, and the first wicket fell at 61 in the 7.2 overs, giving the Hinds a brisk platform. Smith’s dismissal brought Grace Scrivens to the crease, and the momentum barely dipped.
Scrivens played a composed yet purposeful innings, anchoring the middle overs with 32 off 32 balls, rotating strike smartly and allowing others to play around her. The middle phase was lifted significantly by Flora Devonshire, whose cameo proved vital in shaping the innings. Devonshire counterattacked with fearless intent, smashing 35 off 18 balls, including two sixes, and forging an impactful partnership that pushed the run rate beyond nine an over.
Even as wickets fell at regular intervals, Scrivens at 105 (11.6 over) and Devonshire at 113 (12.3 over), Central Hinds kept pressing forward. Emma McLeod added late impetus with 19 off 13, ensuring the innings didn’t lose steam in the death overs. Despite Canterbury Magicians striking back with wickets at 152, 182, and tightening briefly, Central Hinds finished strongly at 191/5 in 20 overs, powered by depth and intent across the order.
Canterbury’s bowling effort was a mixed one on a tough batting surface. Grace Scrivens starred with the ball as well, underlining her all-round value with 3/28, breaking crucial partnerships at key moments. Hannah Rowe picked up 2/29, using changes of pace effectively, while Kate Anderson and Lea Tahuhu chipped in with one wicket each. Though the run rate stayed high, Canterbury did enough to keep the target within reach.
In reply, Canterbury Magicians began their chase with intent, knowing the asking rate demanded aggression. Natalie Cox provided early spark with 23 off 15, but the chase truly came alive through Kate Anderson and Izzy Sharp. Anderson’s 43 off 30 balls was a blend of timing and placement, while Sharp produced the innings of the chase, an outstanding 61 off 38, striking nine fours and a six. The pair added significant momentum through the middle overs, taking Canterbury past the 100-run mark and keeping them firmly in the contest.
Even after Anderson fell at 112 (10.3 over) and Jodie Dean departed shortly after at 128 (12.3 over), Sharp continued to attack, pushing Canterbury deep into the chase. Her dismissal at 162 (16.4 ov), however, proved pivotal. From there, Canterbury needed calm finishing, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Lea Tahuhu contributed 14 off 11, keeping hopes alive until she fell at 182 (19.3 ov). Ultimately, Canterbury closed on 184/8, falling just short despite a valiant effort.
Central Hinds’ bowlers held their nerve under pressure. Hannah Rowe (2/29) and Grace Scrivens (3/28) were again influential, while Lea Tahuhu and Sarah Asmussen delivered disciplined spells in the middle overs. The ability to take wickets at crucial junctures, rather than purely containing runs, proved decisive.
In the end, this Women’s Super Smash thriller was a showcase of modern T20 cricket, explosive batting, shifting momentum, and composure under pressure. Grace Scrivens, named Player of the Match for her 32 runs and 3/28, embodied Central Hinds’ all-round dominance, as they sealed a hard-fought seven-run victory in Nelson.
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