The 28th match of the Women’s Super Smash League 2025-26, played on 24th January 2026, delivered a gripping finish as Otago Sparks edged past Central Hinds by two wickets in a closely fought contest. After winning the toss, Central Hinds elected to bat first, aiming to put a competitive total on the board on a surface that looked good for stroke play early on.
Central Hinds had a mixed start with the bat. Bryony Smith was dismissed early, but Grace Scrivens steadied the innings with a composed and confident knock. Scrivens played the anchor role brilliantly, scoring 55 runs off 49 balls, striking six fours and two sixes, and ensuring the innings had momentum through the middle overs. She found some support from Hannah Rowe, who contributed a useful 15, while Kerry-Anne Tomlinson and Rosemary Mair chipped in with unbeaten knocks of 13 and 14 respectively at the death.
Despite regular wickets falling, Central Hinds managed to post a competitive total of 123 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs, helped along by nine extras. For Otago Sparks, the bowling effort was disciplined, with Emma Black, Chloe Deerness, Laura Harris and Anna Browning picking up a wicket each and keeping the scoring rate largely in check.
Chasing a target of 124, Otago Sparks began cautiously but with intent. Bella James opened the innings and scored a handy 9 before being run out, while Poppy Jay Watkins played an important innings at the top, scoring 15 off 21 balls. The chase gathered momentum when Caitlin Blakely struck a fluent 23, followed by a game changing innings from captain Polly Inglis.
Inglis was outstanding under pressure, smashing 41 off just 22 deliveries, including powerful boundary hitting that swung the match in Otago’s favour during the middle overs. However, Central Hinds were not done yet. Grace Scrivens once again made an impact, this time with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets and dragging the game into the final overs. Ashruti Kumar also impressed, finishing with figures of 3 for 12, as Otago suddenly found themselves losing wickets in clusters.
Olivia Gain added a valuable 11, while Laura Harris and Anna Browning fell cheaply, keeping the contest alive until the very end. In a tense finish, Eva Gray and Anika Todd held their nerve. Todd remained unbeaten on 4, while Gray ensured the strike was rotated effectively. Otago eventually reached 126 for 8 in 19.3 overs, sealing victory with just three balls to spare and sparking celebrations in the Sparks camp.
Overall, it was a thrilling encounter that showcased strong individual performances and nerve-wracking moments. Grace Scrivens yet again stood out for Central Hinds with an excellent all-round display, while Polly Inglis’ explosive knock proved decisive for the Sparks. The two-wicket win highlighted Otago Sparks’ composure under pressure and made the match of the Women’s Super Smash League a memorable one.
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