ROUND TWO
Auckland Hearts v Otago Sparks at Melville Park, Auckland on 26 November 2017
Scorecard
Milestones
• 100th List A match for Anna Peterson
• Leigh Kasperek reached 1000 domestic List A runs
• Best bowling for Auckland Hearts for Anna Peterson (previous best 3/4)
An eight-wicket victory sealed a perfect weekend as the Hearts remain unbeaten in both the T20 and Hallyburton Johnstone Shield formats after the opening three days of the season.
Great start. MButcher/NZC
A comprehensive performance with both bat and ball ensured the Hearts made it a clean sweep over the visiting Otago Sparks, winning their Sunday Hallyburton Johnstone Shield match in even stronger style.
Again, the Sparks had won the toss and chose to bat at Melville Park and will return to Dunedin disappointed to have blown their chances.
Arlene Kelly and Holly Huddleston continued their strong early season form with the ball, both opening bowlers taking an early wicket to get the Hearts off to an exciting start with the Sparks rocked at eight for two.
Holly Huddleston providing firepower with the ball. MButcher/NZC
However, WHITE FERNS Suzie Bates and Katey Martin steadied the southern ship, putting on 62 for the third wicket to haul their side back into the game.
But when WHITE FERNS spinner Anna Peterson came into the attack, she changed the game, ripping through the middle order for career-best figures for the Hearts of 4-13 off eight overs.
Huddleston returned to mop up the last couple of wickets, the Sparks finishing 105 all out after another searing bowling performance from the Hearts.
An early breakthrough from Leigh Kasperek, getting Maddy Green caught and bowled on just two, couldn't save the Sparks. PHOTOSPORT
Peterson backed it up with a solid batting effort, looking comfortable at the crease from ball one.
Despite the Hearts losing a couple of early wickets, when Peterson (59*) was joined by Katie Perkins (34*), the experienced pair made it look easy and reached the target in just 18.3 overs.
Anna Peterson's top day was complete. PHOTOSPORT
