The Wellington Blaze have produced a strong all-round performance to ease past the Otago Sparks by nine wickets at the Basin Reserve.
Bowling first, the Blaze took wickets at regular intervals to bowl out the Sparks for just 96 in the 20th over.
Jess Kerr (3-16 off four), Amelia Kerr (3-18 off four) and Sophie Devine (3-16 off 2.5) were all outstanding. Maneka Singh also produced a tidy spell of left-arm medium pace on Twenty20 debut, finishing with 1-14 off her four.
Katey Martin top-scored for the Sparks with 32 off 38 while Bella James (21 off 27) was the only other batter to reach double figures.
In reply, the opening partnership of Rachel Priest (50* off 46) and Rebecca Burns (27 off 23) took the Blaze close to victory with a 66-run stand.
Maddy Green came in at first drop to help Priest guide the Blaze home with 32 balls to spare.
With the win, the table-topping Blaze are 4-0 this season and looking ominous in their quest for a Twenty20 three-peat.
Article added: Sunday 22 December 2019