Revenge win for Katey Martin’s Sparks

Otago Sparks captain Katey Martin bounced back from a last-ball loss in Lincoln — after the centurion had been painfully dismissed at the death — to make the Auckland Hearts pay in round six of the national One-Day battles.

The punishing player backed up her bittersweet ton with an unbeaten 75 just one day later, leading the way in a four-wicket win over the strong Hearts.

The match had got off to a late start and was reduced to 39 overs by weather — time enough for the Hearts to reach 197 for nine after having been sent in. But after a decent start in the conditions from Lauren Down and Anna Peterson who put on 46 together for the first wicket, Vic Holden made a double strike to have them 54 for two.

Morna Nielsen then quickly took care of her in-form WHITE FERNS teammate Katie Perkins (10): 69 for three.

Maddy Green and captain Vic Lind settled things down with an 89-run stand for the fourth wicket to get through to 158, but the Sparks attack owned the rest of the innings, claiming five wickets for just 34 runs.

Martin began her knock early with the scoreboard at 19 for one, joining Caitlin Blakely (24) after Arlene  Kelly had bowled Leigh Kasperek on 14. They put on 52 before Kelly grabbed a catch off Regina Lili’i, Martin soldiering on now with Millie Cowan (24) before Green (3-28) chipped in with two quick wickets — then added Holden’s as well to have the Sparks nervy at 165 for five.

A further wicket would tumble but Martin and Beth Langston were not to be denied this time, getting home with seven balls to spare in what had proven to be yet another close call.

Scorecard