Darlington, Cowan star as Sparks down Hinds in Super Smash

Otago Sparks needed 105 to win. They found themselves in an early wobble at three for 20 inside the powerplay. Jess Watkin had struck twice while Katey Martin was run out for two.

Milli Cowan, opening for Sparks, was watching helplessly from the other end. The experienced Suzie Bates (6) was among those who had been dismissed. But Cowan found an ally in Amanda-Jade Wellington, with whom she strung a partnership to see her side through.

Cowan made a half century and stayed unbeaten on 55 from 51 balls hitting six fours in the process. Wellington was unfinished on a run-a-ball 37 with an unconquered fourth wicket stand of 86. Despite this, Watkin finished with a respectable two for 16 in her four overs.

Sparks made it home with seven wickets in the bank against Central Hinds at the University of Otago Oval on Saturday (January 11) in what was the last league match for Hinds in the Super Smash. Hinds finished fourth and thereby made it to the knockouts.

Hinds had chosen to bat but lost Emily Cunningham for 18 in the final over of the power play. Soon, Watkin followed suit for 18 and the going seemed tough for Hinds.

Emma Black and Hannah Darlington made life hard for the Hinds’ batters. They made regular inroads and picked up five wickets between them to restrict the opposition to six for 104.  Hannah Rowe, who came in at five for Hinds, was the top-scorer with 22.

Brief Scores: Central Hinds 104/6 in 20 overs (Hannah Rowe 22, Jess Watkin 18, Emily Cunningham 18; Hannah Darlington 3/12, Emma Black 2/24) lost to Otago Sparks 106/3 in 20 overs (Millie Cowan 55*, Amanda-Jade Wellington 37*, Jess Watkin 2/16) by seven wickets.