Central Hinds and Wellington Blaze produced another Women’s Super Smash classic in Wellington, a match that fluctuated right till the final delivery and showcased standout performances from batters and bowlers on both sides. Under bright skies and a lively surface, the Hinds set the tempo early with the bat, while the Blaze staged a spirited chase before falling short by just five runs, finishing on 149/5 in reply to 154/6.
Central Hinds’ innings had the perfect launch pad, as Bryony Smith and Grace Scrivens combined for a fluent opening partnership. The pair made smart use of the powerplay, striking boundaries with confidence to move the score to 45/0 after six overs. Smith drove commandingly through cover while Scrivens played the anchor role, rotating strike effectively to keep the pressure on the Blaze.
The opening stand stretched to 76, before Grace Scrivens’ steady 30 off 29 came to an end via a sharp run-out orchestrated by Georgia Plimmer and wicketkeeper Jessica McFadyen. Smith continued to motor along, reaching a fine half-century, bringing up 50 from 32 balls before falling for a brisk 56 off 36 deliveries.
Wickets started to fall at intervals after Smith’s dismissal. Flora Devonshire (5 off 9) was knocked over by Maitlan Brown, and skipper Hannah Rowe tried to lift the tempo with a short cameo of 7 off 7 before Jess Kerr removed her. Wellington’s bowlers kept Central Hinds in check through the middle overs, but Emma McLeod counterattacked with a valuable 30 off 22, hammering four boundaries.
Late acceleration came courtesy of Rosemary Mair, whose unbeaten 21 off only 10 balls guided the Hinds to a competitive finish despite losing six wickets, closing their innings at 154/6 in 20 overs. Every Wellington frontline bowler picked up a wicket, led by Jess Kerr (1/22), Xara Jetly (1/24), Maitlan Brown (1/35), Ellyse Perry (1/39), and Nicole Baird (1/25).
Chasing 155, Wellington Blaze suffered an early setback when opener Georgia Plimmer fell for 0, taken by Rowe inside the first over. However, Ellyse Perry (14 off 9) counter punched with a flurry of fours before Jessica Ogden claimed her, leaving the Blaze at 27/2.
From there, Wellington’s hopes rested with Rebecca Burns, who produced a composed anchor innings. Burns struck eight boundaries in her graceful 56 off 52, while wickets kept tumbling around her. Captain Jess Kerr was dismissed cheaply for 5, and the pressure intensified when Maitlan Brown miscued for 17, stumped off Scrivens’ flighted spin.
With Wellington needing quick runs, Jetly (21* off 16) and McFadyen (28* off 15) launched a late counterattack, putting Central Hinds on edge. The pair added crucial unbeaten runs in the dying overs, striking cleanly and manipulating gaps as the asking rate tightened.
But the day belonged to the Hinds bowlers in the key moments. Grace Scrivens backed up her batting with 2/23 from 4, while Hannah Rowe, Ogden and Flora Devonshire chipped in with a wicket each. Wellington finished at 149/5, falling just five agonising runs short. The thrilling finish meant Central Districts Women claimed victory by 5 runs, powered by Bryony Smith’s top-scoring 56 and Scrivens’ brilliant all-round showing.
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