Related Links
Overseas signing Natasha Miles proved her worth with bat and ball for Otago Sparks in their opening match of the Action Women's Twenty20 cricket competition against Central Hinds today.
Miles, 21, is Hong Kong-born and has been playing cricket for the Middlesex women's team. She picked up a useful 3-18 off four overs today, backing that up with an unbeaten 26 off 30 with the bat as Otago cruised to a six-wicket win over the defending champions in Invercargill.
Sent in to bat, Central Hinds struggled to gain traction at Queen's Park, although a 69-run second wicket stand between captain Aimee Watkins and White Fern Sara McGlashan left them looking likely at 81 for two into the 10th over.
Watkins pounded out a quickfire 51 off 32 balls, including four sixes, but wickets fell regularly once she disappeared -- caught by Kylie Crowley off Miles -- and Central struggled to reach 124 for eight off their 20 overs.
Despite losing opener Sarah Tsukigawa without scoring, Otago reached 128 for four with an over to spare.
NZPA
