White Ferns batter Amy Satterthwaite has recaptured supreme Super Smash form, unleashing a maiden century in the domestic T20 competition for Canterbury Magicians.
Batting on her home track at Christchurch's Hagley Oval, the opener clobbered 114 runs off 66 balls against Northern Brave, bringing up her ton in 60 balls, before being run out on the final ball of the innings.
Over a career spanning almost two decades, Satterthwaite, 35, celebrated her highest-ever 20-over score, steering her team to 172/4.
"It's been a bit of a struggle this season," she says. "I've been disappointed with how I've been playing and, to be honest, felt like I'd lost a couple of games for us.
"I really wanted to turn that around and put a performance on the board.
"The key has probably been freeing my mind - I've probably been thinking too much technique, which is downfall of mine. When I get in a rut, I start trying to find things and once I let that go, and trusted I could still hold a bat and hit a ball, it started to get better."
In reply, the Brave could only muster 148/8 in their 20 overs, with Satterthwaite capturing the wicket of topscorer Sam Barriball, caught by Frances Mackay for 31.
The outcome puts Canterbury back in the playoff hunt, with one game remaining against Otago Sparks. The Magicians and Auckland Hearts are tied for third, probably needing victory in their final outings to secure the final spot in the elimination match.
