The Wellington Blaze have sent a message of intent to the rest of the Dream11 Super Smash competition with an empahtic 10-wicket victory over the Central Hinds at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln this afternoon.
There were immediate signs that this wasn't to be the Hinds day - Leigh Kasperek removing both Emily Cunningham and the dangerous Jess Watkin for ducks in the first over.
Last year's Women's Domestic Player of the Year Natalie Dodd mounted a brief counterattack with 22 at a run a ball with three boundaries, but when Jess Kerr removed her in the sixth over it was the start of a swift collapse and the Hinds were bowled out for just 56.
The strong Blaze bowling unit operated efficiently in unison with all five bowlers used taking wickets.
Right-arm medium-fast bowler Jess Kerr was the pick, finishing with 3-10 off her four overs while Leigh Kasperek finsihed with 2-9 off her spell.
Sophie Devine was at her hard-hitting best in reply and her 42 not out off just 14 balls included three sixes and five fours as the Blaze skipper looked to end proceedings quickly.
Rebecca Burns remained unbeaten on 13 at the other end in a matchup that was over in quick time.
In search of a Twenty20 three-peat, the Blaze move to the top of the ladder with two wins from two.
They're back in action tomorrow afternoon in the first televised double-header of the competition when Wellington take-on Canterbury at Hagley Oval - live from 12.40pm on Sky Sport 3.
Article added: Saturday 14 December 2019