2024/25 HALLYBURTON JOHNSTONE SHIELD
Round 3
Saturday 30 November 2024
University Oval, Dunedin
OTAGO SPARKS defeated WELLINGTON BLAZE by 8 wickets
SELECTED MILESTONES
Polly Inglis: 100th List A match for Otago Sparks
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Anna Browning: Best List A figures (4-38)
Bella James: second List A century
All images: PHOTOSPORT
Defending Hallyburton Johnstone Shield champion the Otago Sparks remain unbeaten, with a perfect record, after a comfortable eight-wicket win.
In a rematch of the 2024 Grand Final, last year’s competition leading wicket-taker Emma Black set the tone with the ball, claiming a first-ball wicket to dismiss the experienced Jess McFadyen - on her first game back for the Blaze from injury.
Wellington’s top order continued to tumble before the innings was resurrected by skipper Rebecca Burns, top-scoring with 44.
Jess Kerr (32) and Xara Jetly (42*) followed with a much needed 46-run partnership for the sixth wicket before Kerr was run out by Hayley Jensen at the non-striker’s end.
The Blaze posted 186/9, Otago’s Anna Browning ending with career-best List A figures of 4-38.
In reply, the Otago Sparks chased down the total in quick time, with almost 12 overs to spare ensuring they got yet another bonus point in the bag.
Otago’s Bella James (101*) blasted her second List A century (11 fours & two sixes) to secure the bonus point, and keep the Sparks on top of the table.
James was supported in the chase by captain Felicity Robertson (56*) who brought up her eighth List A half-century.
