The Auckland Hearts made quick work of chasing down the total set by the Otago Sparks. Import Stefanie Taylor orchestrated the victory for the home team, smashing 60 from 52 deliveries at Melville Park, Auckland
The Sparks won the toss and opted to bat but lost key batsman Suzie Bates for just three before Katie Martin (15) got things back on track for her team and found support from Natasha Miles (25).
However, very few batsmen managed to contribute after these two and Otago were heading for a low score. Kylie Crowley came to the rescue for the Southerners and played nicely to make an unbeaten 35 to take her team to 95 for six after 20 overs.
Saskia Bullen was the best of the bowlers for the Hearts, collecting two wickets for 14 runs from four overs.
In reply, the Hearts never looked in doubt. Openers Taylor and Sam Curtis took the game by the scruff of the neck for the Aucklanders, putting on 73 for the first wicket.
After Curtis was dismissed Maddie Green came to the wicket and helped her team to an eight wicket win in the 14th over. It was a confident batting display from the Hearts, especially from Taylor who played brilliantly for her 60.
None of the bowlers made any real inroads for the Sparks, but Miles finished off a fine game by picking up one wicket for 21 runs off four overs. Unfortunately it wouldn’t be enough.
