The Auckland Hearts chased down 120 with three balls to spare to beat the Otago Sparks by seven wickets in the first women’s Twenty20 match of the summer.
The Otago Sparks lost four wickets for 28 runs after deciding to bat but the collapse didn’t stop opener Katey Martin from lashing a half century.
The Otago captain hit eight boundaries and used 49 balls in her 53 but was overshadowed by all-rounder Emma Campbell who only required 43 deliveries to reach 42.
Left arm spinner Saskia Bullen was economical and destructive taking three for 12 off her four overs.
In reply, the Auckland Hearts lost Michelle Lynch early before Victoria Lind and Michelle Tremaine combined to put on 86 for the second wicket.
Lind hit 41 off 51 with Tremaine blasting an unbeaten 50 off 48 to guide her team to victory.
Otago and White Fern all rounder Sarah Tsukigawa took three for 19 with no other Sparks bowler taking a wicket.
