Thamsyn Newton scores runs for Central Hinds against Northern Brave in their women's Super Smash match in Palmerston North. Photo: photosport
Central Hinds have claimed top spot on the women's Twenty20 Super Smash standings with a tight six-run win over the Northern Brave in Palmerston North on Wednesday.
Tight bowling proved critical as the home side defended their 141-7, restricting Northern to 135-7 off 20 overs to notch their second win from two games.
The Hinds are the only team with a perfect record through the first two rounds while the Brave are the only side without a win, having lost their opener to the same opponents by six wickets in Hamilton last week.
Central's total was set up by solid knocks from captain Natalie Dodd (31 runs off 25 balls) and Thamsyn Newton (33 off 37) before Georgia Atkinson lashed an unbeaten 26 off 17 at the death, after Marama Downes had recorded miserly figures of 2-10 off her four overs of seam bowling.
Northern were always in contention to reach their target but lost wickets at inopportune times, with only Marina Lamplough kicking on to top-score with 38 before being run out.
The best of Central's disciplined attack was offspinner Ashtuti Kumar, who took 2-19 off four overs.