The Canterbury Magicians have cruised to an eight wicket win in their final round robin game against the Otago Sparks in the Action Cricket Twenty20 competition.
Otago only managed to make 85 from their 20 overs and couldn’t overcome Canterbury’s talented top-order to eventually lose after 14.2 overs.
Otago opted to bat first, but couldn’t form a partnership early on. In fact they couldn’t form one throughout the innings, with just Katey Martin really succeeding at the crease.
Martin made 44 runs in the 15 overs she spent at the crease. It held the side together as without her Otago would have been completely embarrassed.
It shows how much they miss Suzie Bates, who again wasn’t playing today. Victoria Abbott (10) was the only other player to get to double figures as the rest of the team crumbled under the Canterbury bowling attack.
The Sparks made the criminal move of not playing out their 20 overs. After just 16.5 over Otago was all out for 85.
Kelly Anderson was the chief destroyer for her side and claimed figures of three for 20 from three overs.
If Otago had doubled their total it would be hard to see Canterbury failing to reach it. The top order has just been that good this summer.
Frances Mackay is one of the main reasons Canterbury has been so dominant and again today she showed why.
Mackay showed real maturity to ease her side towards the required total with an innings of 46 from 45 balls.
With her at the crease to finish the game was Mandi Godliman (18) as the pair saw their side home after 14.2 overs.
It capped another easy win for the defending champs who finish the regular season unbeaten and look good to reclaim their title next weekend.
