Defending women's one-day cricket champions Auckland have been humbled in the opening round of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield.
The Central Hinds celebrate taking a wicket in their emphatic win over the Auckland Hearts at Pukekura Park. Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020
The Central Hinds have raced to a seven wicket win over the Hearts at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth in what was a rematch of the 2019 final at the same venue.
Central rolled Auckland for just 49 and then chased down the target inside just eight overs.
Claudia Green, Monique Rees, Hannah Rowe and Jess Watkin shared the wickets between them, with Green the stand-out with four from her eight overs.
None of the Auckland players reached double figures, with opener Saachi Shahri top scoring with seven.
Watkin scored an unbeaten 22 from 11 balls in the Hinds' chase, smashing four fours and a six, to see Central home with an incredible 42.2 overs to spare.
The Canterbury Magicians and Northern Districts have also posted wins in the opening round.
The Magicians have recorded a commanding 91-run win over the Otago Sparks in Oamaru.
Canterbury Magicians all-rounder Frankie Mackay Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020
Canterbury have posted 321/4 batting first, thanks to centuries from captain Frankie Mackay (142) and Kate Ebrahim (106*).
The Magicians were also assisted by 44 extras from the Sparks, which included 32 wides.
Otago were restricted to 213/8 from their 46 overs after rain interrupted their chase.
Northern Districts have beaten the Wellington Blaze by two wickets in their weather-hit match at the Basin Reserve.
Northern have chased down Wellington's 169/7 with two balls to spare.
The match was reduced to a 43-over a side contest.