The Sparks had to pull off a brilliant run through the back end of the regular season just to make the big game, but kept it going to end up as top qualifier - before ousting defending champion the Wellington Blaze in a closely fought national showdown.

On an overcast day that delighted the bowlers on both sides at University of Otago Oval, Sparks pace weapon Emma Black finished as the season's runaway top wicket-taker with 24 victims at an average of just 11.58, ahead of Northern Districts' young Kayley Knight and Blaze captain and spinner Leigh Kasperek who ended with 18.

Black and Hayley Jensen starred for the Sparks' attack in the big game, getting delicious movement off the seam and through the air. 

Black (3/31) put herself on an unconverted hat-trick in a pivotal 25th over that brought three wickets; while Jess Kerr strung together maidens to put the pressure back on the Sparks when it was their turn to chase down 212 for victory.

It was a rematch of the Final two summers ago, also won by the Sparks, with the Blaze – like the Auckland Aces in the previous day's Ford Trophy Final – unable to pocket to the one-day/Dream11 Super Smash double this summer.

Full story: https://www.nzc.nz/match-reports/black-and-blue-sparks-win-hallyburton-johnstone-shield/

Story: Margot Butcher, NZC

Article added: Monday 26 February 2024