In an electrifying match at Dunedin, Otago Sparks pulled off a thrilling four-wicket victory over Auckland Hearts in the Women’s Super Smash 2025-26. Chasing down a target of 169, they reached 169/6 in just 18.2 overs, sealing the win with ten balls to spare. It was an exhilarating contest filled with early wickets, impressive partnerships, momentum shifts, and a calm finish under pressure.
Auckland Hearts opted to bat first and started steadily, thanks in large part to Isabella Gaze, who anchored the innings beautifully. Gaze scored a stylish 52 runs off 40 balls, hitting ten boundaries to keep things moving along. Despite losing wickets around her, Prue Catton was dismissed for 4, and skipper Maddy Green went for just 1, Gaze maintained her composure until she was bowled by Louisa Kotkamp at 66/3 in 9.3 overs.
Brooke Halliday then stepped up, crafting a pivotal innings of 58 not out off 43 deliveries, with six fours and a six, scoring at a strike rate of 134.88. Halliday not only stabilised the innings but also accelerated as they approached the end. Lower-order contributions from Lauren Down (15) and Josie Penfold (23* off 11) helped Auckland finish strongly, setting a challenging total of 168/5 in their 20 overs.
On the bowling side, Otago Sparks shared the wickets effectively. Kotkamp’s performance stood out with figures of 2/22, while Emma Black managed 1/46. Eva Gray bowled tightly in her spell but shone later with the bat. Chloe Deerness and Anna Browning also played their parts, ensuring Auckland didn’t break free during Halliday’s explosive stint.
When it came time to chase, Otago’s innings got off to a rocky start, losing Felicity Leydon-Davis for just 9 runs, leaving them at 1-14. However, Poppy Jay Watkins (50 off 36) and Caitlin Blakely (26 off 17) formed a crucial partnership, adding 57 runs for the second wicket and changing the momentum in their favour. Even as Auckland took wickets, with Laura Harris (15), Polly Inglis (5), and Olivia Gain (0) falling, Otago stayed resilient. The pressure intensified with the score at 6-114, requiring 55 runs off just 34 balls.
Then came the turning point. Anna Browning (19 off 12) and Eva Gray (35 off 13) combined for a breathtaking partnership that secured the match for Otago. Gray, who had already made her mark with the ball, unleashed a flurry of boundaries, five fours and two sixes, at a staggering strike rate of 269.23, swinging the game decisively in Otago’s favour. Their partnership saw Otago cross the finish line with confidence, concluding at 169/6 in 18.2 overs.
Auckland’s bowling effort was highlighted by Josie Penfold’s remarkable spell of 4/29 in four overs, consistently taking crucial wickets. Bella Armstrong and Molly Penfold each chipped in with a wicket, but they couldn’t contain the explosive hitting from the Otago side in those final overs.
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