The Auckland Hearts have beaten the Northern Spirit by 25 runs in a weather hit Women’s One-Day match at Melville Park, Auckland.
Play was reduced to 30 overs per inning with the Hearts put into bat and amassing 174.
The total was largely thanks to a superb knock by Victoria Lind who smashed an unbeaten 87 off only 67 deliveries. The Hearts captain batted for all but one over and paced her innings beautifully, making a steady start before freeing arms towards the end of the innings to propel the total.
Lind was also part of a fourth wicket record stand for Auckland against Northern Districts. Along with Katie Perkins (43) the pair put on 104 runs, surpassing the previous best of 83.
Spirit all-rounder Nicola Browne, was in good form with the ball taking three for 18 off six overs. Her performance was enough to see her regain the number one spot in the overall MVP table.
In reply, the Spirit couldn’t get any partnerships developed, losing wickets all to regularly and eventually finishing on 149 for eight.
Opener Kate Pulford did her utmost to keep the visitors in the game hitting an outstanding 76 off 69 but she couldn’t get anyone to stick with her.
The next highest score came from number nine batsman Natalie Edwards who struck 24 not out at the end of the match.
Right-arm spinner Paula Gruber was excellent taking three for 19 off five overs.
The Auckland Hearts have consolidated third spot on the points table but are unable to reel in the Wellington Blaze or Central Hinds who have an unassailable lead at the top of the table. The Northern Spirit are back in fifth place with the two team meeting again tomorrow in the final match of the competition.
