Auckland Hearts opener struck on helmet
Central Hinds have handed Auckland Hearts their first defeat of the women’s Super Smash cricket season after successfully defending their 161-run total yesterday.
Back at the scene of their heavy defeat to leaders Wellington Blaze, the Hinds produced a strong all-round performance at New Plymouth’s Pukekura Park to secure the 22-run victory.
Jess Watkin scored 56 from 31 at the top of the order as the Hinds flew out of the blocks, while Emily Cunningham (45 from 50) and Natalie Dodd (40 from 34) contributed to a healthy total, reaching 161-3 in their 20 overs.
Hearts suffered an early blow in their run chase, opener Lauren Down retiring hurt on eight runs after being hit on the helmet. The 24-year-old was rocked by a Rosemary Mair short ball in the third over, but briefly played on before leaving the pitch.
Katie Perkins offered some resistance, finishing not out on 53, but Watkin backed up her strong performance with the ball by snaring two wickets in two balls midway through the seventh over, to put the Hearts on the back foot. Mair continued to apply the pressure, taking 2-18 in her four overs.
THE Auckland Aces have broken their men’s Super Smash duck with a two-run win against the Central Stags on the back of a superb half century from Mark Chapman at Pukekura Park .
Chapman plundered 63 not out from 29 balls as Auckland made 210-4 from their 20 overs after winning the toss. The Stags steadily fell behind the asking rate and looked to be well out of the contest when they slumped to 105-4 in the 13th over.
However, captain Tom Bruce (67 from 41 balls) found support from Josh Clarkson who bludgeoned 25 from 15 balls before departing at 181-5 with just eight balls remaining in their innings and 30 still needed for a most unlikely win.
Willem Ludick entered the fray and refused to concede, bludgeoning 27 not out from just seven balls, with two fours and three sixes, taking the home side to 208-7.