At the Basin Reserve, the strong Wellington Blaze squad sounded a warning by overwhelming the Auckland Hearts by 66 runs, bowling out the visitors for just 142 and picking up a bonus point for their trouble.

Sent in by new Hearts skipper Anna Peterson, Blaze had posted a total of 208 for five, Thamsyn Newton top-scoring at four with a measured, unbeaten 52* off 92 balls, and later chipping in 2-15 with the ball to boot.

Hearts ace of pace Holly Huddleston had claimed her 100th wicket in the process - just the third bowler to achieve the milestone for her team.

However, the Aucklanders were left with little else to celebrate after crumbling in reply with 11 overs to spare.

Katie Perkins top-scored with just 35 in a stinging loss for a side that has claimed the title three times in the last five years.

The Blaze will return to action again today looking to make it two from two to start the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield campaign.

Article added: Sunday 17 November 2019