Auckland Hearts are currently on a roll, having claimed 10 points on the table and winning their last two encounters after a series of dramatic, last-ball victories. Their ability to win low-scoring thrillers highlights a bowling unit that is arguably the most disciplined in the competition, backed by the calm leadership of Maddy Green. With 10 points already secured and the ladder tightening, the Hearts are positioning themselves as genuine title contenders as they enter the middle phase of the tournament.
Players to watch out:
Molly Penfold
Molly Penfold remains one of the most intimidating fast bowlers in the country, using her height and natural pace to unsettle the best batters in the league picking up 4 wickets so far. She has already made her mark this season with a standout spell of 3/15, a performance that ranks among the best bowling figures of the 2025 tournament so far. Her role as the Hearts’ strike bowler is pivotal, as she consistently provides the early breakthroughs that allow the spinners to squeeze the middle overs. Penfold’s international experience with the White Ferns is evident in her tactical execution and her ability to maintain a disciplined line even under heavy fire. She is the spearhead that gives the Auckland attack its clinical edge.
Amy Hucker
Amy Hucker is a rising star who brings a gritty, competitive spirit to the Auckland Hearts’ bowling attack. Known for her medium-pace variations, she has become an expert at breaking dangerous partnerships, picking up 3 wickets so far with best figures of 2 for 21, recently picking up the crucial wicket of Amelia Kerr during a clash with Wellington Blaze. Her economy of 6.41 and control are her greatest assets, allowing her to dry up the runs and force batters into making risky mistakes. Hucker is also a more than capable fielder and lower-order batter, making her the kind of all-round cricketer every T20 side covets. Her growth over the last year has been significant, and she is now firmly established as a frontline member of the Hearts’ rotation.
Brooke Halliday
Brooke Halliday has been the definition of a clutch player for Auckland, recently proving her worth in a heart-stopping one-run victory over Otago Volts. Tasked with defending the final over, the experienced all-rounder kept her composure to deliver a match-winning dot ball on the very last delivery. Halliday’s left-handed batting provides a different dimension to the Hearts’ top order, where she has already contributed several vital scores, including a brisk 32. She has scored 55 runs with the bat so far striking at 101.85. Whether it’s finding the boundary with her fluent drives or strangling the opposition with her medium pace, she is constantly involved in the game’s biggest moments. Her leadership and big-match temperament are exactly why she is considered one of the most dangerous players in the Super Smash.
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