Watkin stars with bat and ball to help Hinds defeat Hearts

Playing crucial roles with both bat and ball, Jess Watkin led Central Hinds to a win over Auckland Hearts at the Pukekura Park on Saturday (December 28) in their clash in the Super Smash 2019-20.

Batting first, Watkin got Hinds to a breezy start along with Emily Cunningham. The duo added over 50 runs for the opening wicket, making 76 in just 52 balls. The Hinds captain made her half century as well, eventually being the first to be dismissed for 56 in 31 balls with eight four and three sixes.

Natalie Dodd then came in and took over, making 40 off 34 balls before being run out. Cunningham, too, missed out on a half century, finishing with 45. Hearts weren’t all that on the money with the ball, with only Anna Peterson (one for 22) and Bella Armstrong (none for 27) being the economical ones.

Chasing 162 for a win, Hearts started well with captain Peterson leading the charge. She hit five fours in her 18-ball knock that saw her make 27 runs. The opening partnership lasted 51 runs that came under seven overs. Watkin got her opposite number, before sending Saachi Shahri back on the next ball.

Katie Perkins held fort from one end, scoring an unbeaten half century even as she longed for support from the other end. She hit seven fours in her knock. Bella Armstrong chipped in with 23, too.

Apart from Watkin (two for 17), Rosemary Mair picked up two for 18. Their efforts ensured that Hearts fell short by 22 runs.

Brief Scores: Central Hinds 161/3 in 20 overs (Jess Watkin 56, Emily Cunningham 45, Natalie Dodd 40; Anna Peterson 1/22) beat Auckland Hearts 139/6 in 20 overs (Katie Perkins 53*, Anna Peterson 27; Jess Watkin 2/17, Rosemary Mair 2/18) by 22 runs.