In the third round of the Women’s U-21 tournament in Canterbury, Wellington has shocked defending champions Auckland in a convincing win.
Chasing just 102 for victory, Wellington cruised to a four wicket win with 20 overs up their sleeves, thanks largely to a brilliant all-round performance from Rebecca Burns.
Auckland were put into bat and looked likely to put on a substantial partnership with many of the top order getting starts. Unfortunately for them though, none of these players kicked on and star captain Maddie Green was dismissed for eight, a crucial wicket for Wellington.
If it hadn’t been for extras Auckland would have been dismissed for a measly 80, but managed to scrape their way to 102 all out in the 35th over.
Sarah Carnachan top scored with 16, but couldn’t combat the impressive bowling from Wellington, especially Burns who bowled eight overs for 15 runs and took three wickets.
In reply Wellington would have been confident, but also wary of an Auckland bowling line up which has been in devastating form so far this tournament.
Yet again captain fantastic Rachel Chin got her side off to a solid start, but when she was dismissed for 26 Wellington knew they had to form just one decent partnership to really take the game away from Wellington.
Thamsyn Newton (22) and star with the ball Burns (27*) rose to the occasion for their team and combined for 49 to lead their team to a four wicket win.
Many would say it was an unexpected result as Auckland have looked good the whole tournament, but it sure will make for an interesting finish to the competition.
