ROUND 9
NORTHERN SPIRIT versus AUCKLAND HEARTS
Seddon Park | 22 February 2020
The penultimate round of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield before the Grand Final saw Northern Spirit and the Auckland Hearts fighting for the right to host the Grand Final... but weather was about to suddenly intervene across the drought-hit country in the tense Saturday matches.
In a match initially reduced to 49 overs, Auckland Hearts captain Regina Lili'i won the toss and bowled in Hamilton, but only 6.4 overs of play were possible before the thundery weather returned.
The match was washed out with the two teams sharing the points two apiece - meaning the battle to host the Grand Final, and for the Hearts to make that final now that the Magicians had meanwhile picked up five points in New Plymouth, would continue on the following day.
