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Kerry Marshall / Getty Images
Claudia Green was the central bowlers’ choice at 4-20.
Auckland has had the worst possible start to the defense of the national championship a day after a woeful batting display in New Plymouth.
The Hearts were dismissed for only 49, 23 of whom were extras, the central districts at Pukekura Park. Then the Hinds made quick work of the chase, hitting the target in less than eight overs to begin their Hallyburton Johnstone Shield campaign with a landslide seven-wicket victory.
Auckland’s troubles started when they lost the draw and were submitted by CD skipper Anlo van Deventer before Claudia Green opened the top half of the order.
Green finished with a career-high 4-20, while closer Monique Rees took 3-15.
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None of Auckland’s hitters reached double figures; three were discarded by a duck and another four made only one. Starter Saachi Shahri was the best scored with seven.
Perhaps the only saving grace for the defending champs was that they have a chance to immediately atone for Sunday’s dismal performance with all teams playing back-to-back games.
The remainder of the first round matches are still ongoing, with Otago against Canterbury in Oamaru and Wellington hosting the Northern Districts.
Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, first round
In Pukekura Park, New Plymouth: Auckland Hearts 49 (Claudia Green 4-20, Monique Rees 3-15, Hannah Rowe 2-3) lost to Central Hinds 52-3 (Jess Watkin 22nd; Jesse Prasad 2-0) through seven windows.
