Auckland Hearts youngster Bree Illing has already been a standout in the national one-day Hallyburton Johnstone Shield in Auckland this summer with a devastating triple wicket over against the Central Hinds.
Now the tall, 20-year-old swing bowler with the cool head and vicious yorker has bowled the over of her life against WHITE FERN Eden Carson to clinch victory for the Hearts at Eden Park.
The Sparks had headed into the last over of the game needing 10 from the last over, having just taken 38 from the previous four overs to keep themselves in a tight chase in the big stadium.
But the nerveless Illing delivered four pinpoint dot balls in a row - before ending Carson's agony by having her caught off the fifth delivery.
The hope of a win now vaporised for the Sparks, Illing finished the match in style by dotting down again for a wicket maiden, and figures of 2/32 off her four overs in a brilliant nine-run win.
Earlier, Hearts captain Maddy Green continued her own devastating form in Auckland this summer with another captain's knock of 77 not out off 56 balls - her T20 career best, after having been sent in by Suzie Bates.
Chasing 146/6, the high-flying Sparks were in the chase thanks to an unbeaten maiden half century off 40 balls from Caitlin Blakely - who could do nothing but watch from the non-striker's as Illing seized control for her team in the final over.
The win was just the second of the campaign for the Aucklanders who clambered off the bottom rung of the table as a result, while the Sparks missed an opportunity to go past the Central Hinds into second spot.
The Hearts now get ready to host the Hinds at the same ground in another big game on Tuesday as the heat goes on the top teams for qualifier spots.