Auckland Hearts showcased why they remain title favourites in the Women’s Super Smash 2025-26, producing a dominant batting and bowling performance to hammer Canterbury Magicians by a massive 80 runs in Christchurch on January 10.
Auckland’s innings kicked off cautiously but effectively after losing early momentum. Isabella Gaze struck a couple of boundaries in her 8 off 8 before falling to Lea Tahuhu, caught behind by Darcy Prasad at 1-21 inside the 3rd over. That dismissal paved the way for the first major partnership of the evening. Prue Catton and Brooke Halliday combined for a match-defining stand that shifted the game completely.
Catton anchored the innings beautifully with 51 off 40 balls, peppered with eight fours and a six. Her stroke play was all class until Sarah Asmussen produced a clever dismissal, stumping her with Prasad’s sharp glovework at 118-3. Parallelly, Halliday was the standout performer, compiling a brilliant 62 off just 47 with eight boundaries. She kept Auckland’s innings ticking, rotating strike well and punishing the loose balls.
Skipper Maddy Green’s brief burst,11 off 6 with two fours, pushed the scoring rate further before she edged through to Izzy Sharp off Hotton. Cameos from Bella Armstrong (19 off 10) and Lauren Down (5) ensured Auckland maintained their momentum late in the innings. The finishing touches came from Josie Penfold and Ayaan Lambat, staying unbeaten as Auckland closed at a commanding 171/6 after 20 overs.
Canterbury’s bowling figures painted a clear story. Abigail Hotton was the pick with 2/35, including the scalp of captain Green. Melissa Banks, Gabby Sullivan, Sarah Asmussen and Lea Tahuhu each picked up one wicket, but no one could apply sustained pressure, leaking boundaries through the middle overs.
Chasing a steep 172-run target, Canterbury’s innings unravelled right from ball one. Bree Illing opened brilliantly for Auckland, trapping Kate Anderson lbw for 4 and bowling Kate Irwin for 0 inside the first over itself. At 1-1 and then 2-12, the slide had begun.
From there, wickets continued tumbling at regular intervals. Izzy Sharp provided brief resistance at the top with a fighting 42 off 39, striking three fours and a six to keep hope alive. Melissa Banks chipped in with 15 off 21, while Sarah Asmussen added 11 late down the order. But Canterbury never stitched together partnerships to challenge the required rate.
Auckland’s bowling was clinical and disciplined. Molly Penfold’s 3/20 broke the middle order apart, while Bree Illing’s 2/10, Maddy Green, Bella Armstrong, and Ayaan Lambat shared wickets to bundle Canterbury out for 91 in 19.4 overs.
For Auckland Hearts, this thumping 80-run win cements their position as firm Super Smash contenders. Canterbury, meanwhile, will need a drastic turnaround to revive their campaign.
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