The Wellington Blaze survived a massive scare to keep their Action Cricket Twenty20 final hopes alive after a last ball win over the Central Hinds.
Chasing 119 for victory, Wellington nearly threw the game away with a poor performance with the bat, but were saved by Sarah Taylor to secure a three wicket win.
Central opted to bat first and got off to a solid start thanks to openers Rachel Priest (31) and Katie Tomlinson (17).
When the first wicket was lost for 38 it brought in-form batsman Sara McGlashan to the crease. McGlashan has been in brilliant touch of late and again gave opposition bowlers headaches.
The experienced number three smashed an unbeaten 45 from 39 deliveries, which included three fours and a six.
Unfortunately though she couldn’t find someone to stay out in the middle with her, as no other Hind’s player managed to make double figures.
Largely thanks to McGlashan, Central were able to reach a final total of 118 for seven after 20 overs.
Lucy Doolan was the pick of the bowlers for the Blaze and picked up impressive figures of three for 15 from four overs.
The Wellington chase made for an extraordinary scorecard.
Sarah Taylor and Megan Wakefield looked to be leading the Blaze to the easiest of victories at 82 for one, but when Wakefield was dismissed after 15.1 overs, it all went pear-shaped.
Wellington lost five wickets for 20 runs - including three in the last over – to leave a single needed off the last ball for victory.
With a draw on the cards the Blaze managed to find the single somehow and came away with a three wicket win.
Maneka Sigh had been entrusted with the final over and while she couldn’t ensure a win for her side she did bowl brilliantly. Her final figures were four for 26 from four overs.
It was hard not to feel sorry for the Hinds, who have fought hard all season. They get their chance at redemption tomorrow in the Action Cricket Cup.
