The Otago Sparks dropped both games in their doubleheader against the Wellington Blaze in the Hallyburton Johnston Shield at the weekend. The Sparks came agonisingly close, falling by two runs on Saturday and then lost by 35 runs in Wellington yesterday. Jess Kerr was the anchor with 51, but the Blaze lost wickets in clumps through the middle order. Jess McFadyn (43) carried the Blaze through, but the Sparks fought back at the death. But Browning was the real shining light, doing everything she could to get the Sparks home with an unbeaten knock of 53.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 08, 2026 15:47 UTC