Sport

Canterbury women celebrate maiden night match

06:41 am on 16 January 2021

The Canterbury Magicians have won the first women's domestic cricket game played under lights in New Zealand.

Canterbury Magicians match-winner Kate Ebrahim. Photo: Photosport Ltd 2021

The Magicians have beaten the Northern Spirit by 53 runs in their Twenty20 match at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, with Kate Ebrahim leading the way.

Ebrahim struck an unbeaten 84 from just 65 balls to guide Canterbury to 154 for four after captain Frankie Mackay won the toss and decided to bat first.

They then rolled the Spirit for 101 with four run-outs.

The Magicians are now second on the ladder, two points behind the defending champion Wellington Blaze.

Canterbury are ahead of the Auckland Heats on net run-rate.

Kings all-rounder Daryl Mitchell (right) celebrates reaching his half century with captain Cole McConchie Photo: Photosport Ltd 2021

Earlier, Black Caps all-rounder Daryl Mitchell and Kings captain Cole McConchie guided the Canterbury men to a six wicket win over the Northern Knights.

They shared in a 133-run stand for the Kings' fourth wicket to chase down Northern's 150 for seven with seven balls to spare.

Mitchell was dismissed in the 19th over for 69, while McConchie finished unbeaten on 56 after rescuing Canterbury from 15 for three.

Former Black Caps opener Jeet Raval top scored for 70 for the Knights, with Kings leg-spinner Todd Astle conceding just 12 runs from his four overs.

Canterbury's now third in the men's standings, behind the Central Stags on net run-rate.