The Canterbury Magicians joined the Wellington Blaze at the top of the Action Women's Twenty20 competition table with two wins, although they had to work harder for their narrow two-run win over the Auckland Hearts at Queen Elizabeth II Park in Christchurch today.
The home team reached an unconvincing 124 for seven off their 20 overs after winning the toss, the highlight coming from Maria Fahey's 58 off 40 balls.
The Hearts made a solid start and were 30 without loss as the sixth over neared a close. But they then lost four wickets in the space of 14 balls, slumping to 35 for four after 8.1 overs.
The Magicians were sharp in the field, effecting four run outs, but also contributed generously to the Hearts total through 27 extras.
Injured wicketkeeper and captain Victoria Lind was dismissed on the penultimate ball, her 23 off 14 balls combining with Samoan international Regina Lili'i's unbeaten 20 from 18 to edge the Hearts tantalisingly close.
