After nine seasons in the Central Hinds cap, Taranaki allrounder KATE BAXTER is ready for the next chapter in life.

Baxter announced her retirement from the Hinds representative game following the Hinds' final match of the 2019/20 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield campaign, at her home ground of Pukekura Park on Sunday.

The match was a changing of the guard for the Hinds with the loyal 27-year-old's farewell game coinciding with 16-year-old Ashtuti Kumar's List A debut in a well controlled win over the Canterbury Magicians.

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Whilst the victory came a day too late to help the Hinds hold on to their last shot at retaining the one-day national Shield, Taranaki born and raised Baxter will look back on a career laden with genuine team camaraderie and some special wins - including last summer's Grand Final triumph over the Hearts at the same ground.

A Taranaki captain and right-arm allrounder - and she will continue on for Taranaki Women, "Bax" played 60 List A games for the Hinds, claiming 32 wickets; and 44 T20 games with a T20 career best of 4-11 against the Sparks in 2011/12.

But the consummate team player will probably best be remembered for her role in the breaking the Central Hinds' 10th wicket record partnership, which also remains the New Zealand women's List A Domestic record, batting with Hannah Rowe at Pukekura Park in 2016/17.

The Hinds having been sent in by Suzie Bates, the last pair put on 66 against the Sparks with Baxter finishing unbeaten on a career-best 32 not out off 51 balls, after Rowe was dismissed on 36.

Baxter's 60 appearances in the one-day format place her among the 16 most games for the Hinds, just behind teammates Jess Watkin, Anlo van Deventer and Rowe.

The team at Central Districts Cricket thank Kate for an outstanding contribution to Central Hinds cricket and culture. We wish you all the best for life beyond the boundary rope and we'll look forward to your ongoing influence over provincial cricket.

 

FINAL STANDINGS - 2019/20 REGULAR SEASON

 

Northern Spirit - 37 points Q

Auckland Hearts - 29 points Q

Canterbury Magicians - 24

Central Hinds - 23

Wellington Blaze - 19

Otago Sparks - 2

Article added: Monday 24 February 2020