Cricket: Record in vain as Auckland steal win

Suzie Bates

Suzie Bates did not know whether to laugh or cry after scoring a record century only to see Auckland steal an unlikely victory in the State League one-day women's cricket match against Otago yesterday.

Bates struck a league record 183 not out to guide Otago to an imposing 274 for four at Melville Park in Auckland then watched on helplessly as the home side overhauled that thanks to a belligerent century by international Rebecca Rolls.

"Near the end of the game I thought to myself 'well, that was a waste of energy'," Bates said after Auckland won the game with three balls to spare by reaching 275 for six.

"It's such as huge shame we didn't win but we play them again tomorrow so we have another chance."

Bates, 18 and in her third season with Otago, had previously passed three figures at school level only so yesterday's outstanding innings is one she will treasure.

"It hasn't really sunk in yet and it didn't help that we lost.

"But looking back I can't really believe it happened."

Dropped on 12, Bates went on to hit 17 fours in an innings lasting 152 balls, along the way eclipsing Kate Pulford's previous competition record score of 153 not out for Central Districts against Canterbury in Christchurch six years ago.

Her 50s came off 46, 47 and 38 balls respectively and at 18 years 117 days she is the youngest centurion in the competition, beating the record set by Tamara Gould by 87 days.

Rolls was in irrepressible touch as she powered Auckland to victory, sharing an Auckland record opening stand of 187 with Ros Kember, who contributed 66.

An unbeaten 69 from Emily Drumm enabled Northern Districts to beat defending champions Canterbury in Hamilton.

Northern Districts won the match by seven wickets at Wintec Oval after reaching 224 for three in reply to Canterbury's 221 for eight.

- NZPA