The Canterbury Magicians have been eliminated from the Super Smash after a chaotic finish against the Northern Brave saw them lose by just one run.
In a rain-shortened fixture in Hamilton this afternoon, the Magicians needed 54 to win in seven overs in order to keep their chances of making the top three alive.
Some big hitting from Lea Tahuhu kept them in the chase after early wickets fell, Frankie Mackay nearly guided her team over the line in the final over.
Needing three to win off the final ball, Mackay skied the ball down to deep fine leg, but it was put down by Caitlin Gurrey.
Realising she still had the chance to tie the game, Mackay quickly turned to go for a second run but doubled back to tap her bat in the crease again after being concerned she may have been ruled one short.
The time it took to go back and begin the run again cost her dearly, as Gurrey collected the ball and fired it in to the keeper, who promptly whipped the bails off, running out Mackay, and giving the Brave a one-run victory.
The result means the Magicians have no chance of making the top three teams that advance to the finals, with just one game left to play. The Brave still have a slim chance with two games remaining but need other results to go their way.
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