The stage is set for the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Final, with the HEARTS heading to Dunedin to take on the Sparks this Saturday. First ball is at 10:30 AM, with all the action live-streamed on NZC’s YouTube channel.

It’s been a thrilling late-season charge from the HEARTS, who stormed into the final with a dominant double over the Magicians in Christchurch last weekend. Needing two wins to keep their season alive, they delivered under pressure, led by captain Maddy Green, whose superb century in Saturday’s game was another reminder of her class. With over 500 runs this season at a strike rate few can match, Green has been the heartbeat of the batting lineup, but she’s had strong support. The squad has found match-winners across the board, and they’ll need that full-team effort again in the decider.

The Sparks have been the competition’s standout side, winning nine of their ten games to deservedly make the final. But that one defeat? It came against the HEARTS earlier this month. At Eden Park, the HEARTS held their nerve to take down the competition leaders, showing they have the formula to match the Sparks when it matters. With the season series split at one win apiece, Saturday’s showdown is the ultimate decider.

The Sparks enter as favourites, but the HEARTS will relish the challenge, embracing the underdog status that’s served them so well in the past. A season of hard work comes down to one last match, and with a trophy on the line, the HEARTS are ready to give it everything.

Hallyburton Johnstone Shield FINAL

Otago Sparks vs. Auckland HEARTS

1 March 2025 | 10:30am
University of Otago Oval, Dunedin

Article added: Thursday 27 February 2025