The Auckland Hearts have hammered the Otago Sparks by 104 runs in their opening round Women’s One Day match at Queens Park in Invercargill.
The Hearts posted the Sparks a target of 222 for victory having amounted a first-innings total of 221 for five. In reply the Sparks fell well short and were dismissed 117 all out after 35.3 overs.
Their pursuit got off to a reasonable start at 71 for three, but they were unable to push on.
It became clear that the match was out of reach when Suzie Bates was dismissed for 43. The skipper’s dismissal saw the Sparks struggling at 109 for six.
Georgia Guy was the main reason for the southerners’ difficulties, taking a staggering five for 19 from ten overs.
Earlier, Katie Perkins had crafted a magnificent 65 not out to put her side in full control. The innings cam from 79 balls and featured three boundaries.
Considerable contributions from Victoria Lind (32), Maddy Green (31) and Megan Tremaine (35) were also essential to the Hearts’ total.
It was an impressive all-round performance with the Hearts and ensured that they got their title defence off to the best possible start.
The two teams square off again tomorrow.
