A nail-biting finish unfolded in Auckland on January 6, 2026, as Auckland Hearts squeezed past Otago Sparks by just one run in an exhilarating 11th match of the Women’s Super Smash 2025-26. The contest swung back and forth until the final delivery, showcasing the depth and intensity of domestic women’s cricket in New Zealand.
Auckland Hearts started their innings cautiously, losing Prue Catton for just 6 in the 2.1st over, caught by Poppy Jay Watkins. This set the stage for a competitive powerplay. Isabella Gaze struggled to find her rhythm and was dismissed for 3 in the 3.4th over, leaving Auckland in a tricky position early on.
However, the innings stabilized with a crucial third-wicket partnership between Brooke Halliday and skipper Maddy Green. Halliday looked determined, scoring 32 off 26 balls with three boundaries, while Green anchored the innings with a steady hand. Their partnership lifted Auckland from a precarious 13 to 76 before Halliday was bowled by Anna Browning in the 11.5th over.
Green continued to guide the middle overs effectively, forming another important partnership with Lauren Down. Green’s innings of 42 runs off 41 balls featured four boundaries, helping Auckland maintain their momentum without taking unnecessary risks. She was dismissed in the 15.6th over at 97, caught off Felicity Leydon-Davis, which gave Otago a glimmer of hope.
Down kept her cool, scoring a valuable unbeaten 21 off 23 balls, with Josie Penfold also contributing a brisk 13 off 9. Despite losing Bella Armstrong for a first-ball duck and Penfold in the penultimate over, Auckland finished with a respectable total of 123 for 6 in their 20 overs, with Olivia Anderson not out on 1. Otago’s bowling was led by Emma Black, who recorded impressive figures of 2 for 20 while Poppy Jay Watkins, Eva Gray, and Anna Browning each took a wicket.
Otago Sparks’ chase started under pressure as Felicity Leydon-Davis was out for just 2 in the 4.1st over, followed by Caitlin Blakely, who scored 2 at 33. Bella James then stepped up, scoring a quick-fire 40 off 35 balls, including four boundaries, helping to stabilise the innings. Her partnership with Poppy Jay Watkins was critical, providing the stability needed after a shaky start.
James was dismissed at 53 in the 8.4th over, but Watkins, with her calm approach, kept the chase alive while receiving support from captain Polly Inglis, who added a composed 23 off 23 balls. Their partnership kept Otago in contention, although wickets fell at regular intervals, hampering their progress. Inglis fell at 86 in the 14.4th over, and further dismissals of Anna Browning and Olivia Gain brought more tension to the match. Watkins fought hard, remaining unbeaten on 36 off 35 balls, but the pressure mounted in the final overs.
Auckland’s bowlers held their nerve when it counted. Molly Penfold delivered a crucial spell, taking 3 for 15 from her two overs, including vital middle-order wickets that shifted momentum. Amie Hucker also played a key role with figures of 2 for 21, while Brooke Halliday and Bella Armstrong each chipped in with a wicket to keep Otago on a tight leash. Despite their efforts, Otago finished at 122 for 8 in their 20 overs, falling agonisingly short by just one run.
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