The Central Hinds have booked a spot in the Super Smash finals after holding off the Auckland Hearts at Eden Park this afternoon.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Hinds posted a competitive 146/5 from their 20 overs, a total that proved too much for the home side, who fell 18 runs short.
The Hinds had an excellent opening partnership between England international Hollie Armitage (38) and Georgia Atkinson (42), the pair combining for 83 before Armitage fell at the start of the 12th over.
While the wickets of Atkinson and Hannah Rowe quickly followed, the Hinds were able to keep going at a good rate, and their innings was finished off perfectly by captain Rosemary Mair, who blazed an unbeaten 16 off just seven balls.
Molly Penfold was the pick of the Hearts bowlers, taking 2-26 from her four overs.
In reply, Maddy Green continued her good form, scoring 37, and was well supported by Saachi Shahri (33).
However, when Green fell, the Hearts were 99/4 needing 48 to win off just 22 deliveries.
It proved to be too tough of an ask, as wickets continued to fall and the Hearts could only muster 128/8.
Rowe, Mair and Priyanaz Chatterji all took two wickets as the Hinds moved six points clear of the Otago Sparks in second place, having played a game more.
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