Otago win thrilling HBJ Shield final to go back to back

A dramatic final ball thriller at University Oval gave Otago back to back HBJ Shield titles.

It was a 102-run seventh wicket stand between Eden Carson and PJ Watkins that got the Sparks over the line with the pair running a two on the final ball to chase down 292 on their home ground.

Heading into the game, they lost the influential Hayley Jensen with an injury, which added to the loss of openers Bella James and Suzie Bates who had been ruled out earlier in the week.

Felicity Robertson stood up with the bat in the opening spot, adding to her century from last week as she got her side off to a solid start alongside number four Polly Inglis.

Auckland would’ve thought they had the upper hand in the first four overs after Bree Illing removed Saffron Wilson (1) and Olivia Gain (5).

Earlier however, it was Auckland captain Maddy Green that set the tone for her side with the bat as she went to her third century of the season in an enthralling 182 run stand alongside fellow White Fern, Lauren Down, for the fourth wicket.

Izzy Gaze showed some intent early on as she struck five fours in her knock of 25, but the Hearts lost Saachi Shahri (8) to Carson in the 6th over.

Despite a good start from Brooke Halliday, she was dismissed by Robertson, with the score at 79/3 in the 20th.

From there it was Down (90) and Green who got the Hearts through to 291/5 with Bella Armstrong finishing 7*.

Green finished on her highest List A score of 126, but was dismissed on the final ball as she looked to take on Carson down the ground.

Inglis showed intent with the bat early on and worked alongside Robertson to keep her side around the required rate of six per over.

However, with the 148 run stand between the pair building, the Hearts needed something and it was down to Halliday who had the pair dismissed in quick succession.

Robertson was bowled for 53 whilst Inglis went for 86 with Shahri taking a catch on the third attempt.

With the Sparks sitting at 190/6 by the time Caitlin Blakely (18) and Anna Browning (2) had been dismissed, there was going to need to be something special.

Step up Carson and Watkins who combined for one of the partnerships of the season. They were regularly looking for runs throughout their time together and this put added pressure on the Hearts as they got closer to the total.

With eight needed for the win from the final over and Illing tasked with bowling it, the Sparks got it done to three required from two.

Watkins managed to find a little gap and the pair got back for the second run, not wanting the other option of a super over to take the title and defy the Hearts the win.