Cricket: Cunningham guides Taranaki to win

Ryan Evans

A century by Central Hinds batter Emily Cunningham guided the Bartercard New Zealand Taranaki women to their second win in two days in their double header against Nelson Cricket Nyxons at Pukekura Park on Sunday.

Cunningham’s second century for Taranaki came at an opportune time as her side chased down a tricky Nelson total of 167 for an eight-wicket win.

It capped off a great weekend for the Taranaki girls, who also picked up a convincing six-wicket win in their Saturday game, which was reduced to 25 overs after steady showers overnight and on Saturday morning.

In both matches Taranaki captain Lucy Mitchell won the toss and sent their visitors into bat in hot and humid conditions.

Saturday’s game saw Taranaki restrict Nelson to 111, with Central Hinds batter Kate Gaging top scoring with 38.

Christabel Chatonzwa was a handful with the ball, taking 3/13 off five overs, including the prized wicket of Gaging and Chatonzwa backed that up with a crucial 32 not out in the chase, with Taranaki tracking down the target in the 22nd over with six wickets still in hand.

A bright spot for Nelson was 14-year-old bowler Summa Pratt, who showed she could have a big future in the game, with impressive figures of 3/11 off five.

Aside from starting on time, Sunday’s 40-over match followed a similar pattern. Having lost the toss and been sent into bat for a second day, opener Gaging proved the key player for Nelson once again.

She was difficult to dismiss and made her way to 35 before Cara Hollard made the breakthrough had her caught and bowled. Gaging’s sister Anna also made 28 as Nelson made its way to 167 in its 40 overs. Anika Scott capped a fruitful weekend with figures of 2/24 while skipper Mitchell also bowled well taking 2/22.

Enter Cunningham, who batted with exceptional poise on her way to her century. She was joined for the finish by Sophie Campbell, who batted well for an important knock of 21 not out to support Cunningham as Taranaki knocked off the runs with nine overs to spare.

The weekend’s results keep Taranaki firmly in second place on the Mike Shrimpton Trophy table and well in the hunt, with games against Wairarapa next weekend and then Manawatu to come.