The Central Hinds have beaten the Auckland Hearts by one run in their second round Twenty20 match at Queen Elizabeth Park, Masterton.
Behind a well-struck 44 from Sara McGlashan, the Hinds posted a total of 92 for six after 16 overs, after rain delayed the start of play. In reply the Hearts came agonisingly close, but in the end were restricted to 91 for seven.
They stalled in their pursuit almost immediately, with both openers removed with just seven runs on the board.
Maddy Green and captain Victoria Lind got them back on track with a 33 run partnership, before the skipper was caught on 21. The Hearts chances were hit further soon after, with White Fern Katie Perkins dismissed for three.
Green departed for 24 to leave the Hearts struggling at 60 for five after 11.5 overs, but a late dash from Holly Huddleston would give her side a chance.
The 25 year-old hit 16 from 11 to create an interesting finish – but it wouldn’t be enough, as the Hinds closed out the match by one run.
Good bowling from the home side was the catalyst for the victory, with Sonya Thompson claiming three wickets in her three overs for 19 runs.
Earlier, McGlashan had been the force behind the Hinds’ total, with 44 from 29 deliveries. The dynamic top-order batsman slammed three fours and two sixes to put her side in a solid position.
She found aid in Sonya Thompson (17), but a late collapse meant that they didn’t reach the 100 mark.
Regina Lili’I was impressive with the ball and finished with figures of two for 17 from two overs.
The teams’ face off in the first of two 50 over matches tomorrow morning.
