In Napier during the Women’s Super Smash 2025-26, Central Hinds showcased their composure once again, defeating Auckland Hearts by 29 runs in a match that had its share of twists and turns. Their victory was built on solid batting partnerships at crucial moments and a standout bowling performance from Grace Scrivens, who was named Player of the Match for her impressive figures of 4 for 13.
Batting first, Central Hinds took some time to find their rhythm. Bryony Smith started positively, scoring 20 runs off 18 balls with four well-placed boundaries, helping the team recover from an early slow start. However, after a tight opening spell from Bree Illing and Molly Penfold, wickets began to tumble; Smith was caught behind off Penfold with the score at 26/1 in the 4th over.
The momentum fluctuated as Grace Scrivens (5 off 9) fell victim to Amie Hucker, leaving Central Hinds at 30/2. Just when it felt like Auckland Hearts had regained control, Flora Devonshire (14 off 17) joined captain Hannah Rowe, and they managed to keep the innings going until Devonshire was dismissed at 73/3 in the 10th over.
The turning point came when Emma McLeod came to the crease. She played a brilliant innings, remaining unbeaten on 53 off 44 balls, hitting five boundaries along the way. Her partnership with Rowe, which yielded a crucial 49 runs, helped the team stabilise and push deep into the innings. Rowe contributed 27 off 27 before Auckland Hearts finally broke through at 122/4 in the 19th over.
Despite a disciplined bowling effort from Auckland, with Bella Armstrong (4-0-22-0), Bree Illing (3-0-12-0), and Brooke Halliday (4-0-22-1) trying to hold things together, Central Hinds finished strong, posting 136/4 in their 20 overs.
In response, Auckland Hearts sought a steady start but struggled to build meaningful partnerships. Wicketkeeper Isabella Gaze showed some intent with 14 runs off 19 balls before being brilliantly run out at 37/2. Prue Catton (13 off 12) fell early to Rosemary Mair, while captain Maddy Green provided some resistance with a mature 35 off 37, keeping her team in contention through the middle overs.
However, the introduction of Scrivens changed the course of the match. Bowling with skill and precision, she dismantled Auckland’s batting order, claiming the wickets of Green, Halliday (16), Josie Penfold (1), and Lauren Down (4). What started as a promising 70/3 soon spiraled to 92/7. Despite a couple of quick runs from Ayaan Lambat (9) and Molly Penfold (7), Auckland ultimately capitulated for 107 in just 19.3 overs.
Central Hinds bowlers operated as a well-coordinated unit. Rosemary Mair recorded 2 wickets for 28 runs, while Hannah Rowe had figures of 2 for 17. Jessica Ogden and Devonshire both contributed to a solid bowling effort, with Scrivens being the standout performer.
In the end, Central Hinds claimed a convincing victory fueled by dependable batting and exceptional bowling. While Auckland Hearts showed resilience at times, they were unable to forge partnerships, and Scrivens’ brilliance proved too much to overcome. This match highlighted skill, steadiness, and tactical acumen, truly Super Smash cricket at its finest.
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