Match no. 37 of the ongoing 10th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) will feature a clash between the table-toppers, Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Thunder, on the 23rd of November 2024. The game will be played at Junction Oval, Melbourne, and the live action will commence at 4:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Melbourne Renegades Women
Sophie Molineux, Hayley Matthews, Grace Scrivens, Sarah Coyte, Emma de Broughe, Deandra Dottin, Nicole Faltum, Ella Hayward, Milly Illingworth, Sara Kennedy, Georgia Prestwidge, Linsey Smith, Naomi Stalenberg, Georgia Wareham, Courtney Webb, Tara Norris
Sydney Thunder Women
Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Adams, Chamari Athapaththu, Sam Bates, Ella Briscoe, Hannah Darlington, Sienna Eve, Saskia Horley, Shabnim Ismail, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Anika Learoyd, Claire Moore, Taneale Peschel, Georgia Voll, Tahlia Wilson
Players to watch out:
Nicole Faltum
The 24-year-old keeper-batter has accumulated 424 runs from 50 WBBL innings, at a strike rate of 105.21, and registered the highest score of 66*. In an improved season with the Renegades, Nicole has accumulated 131 runs from 7 outings, at an average of 32.75 and a strike rate of 135.05. She has registered scores of 29, 66*, and 5* in recent outings and can be relied upon to lead the scoring.
Sophie Molineux
The 26-year-old left-arm off-spinner in the WBBL has claimed 89 wickets from 99 outings, at an economy rate of 6.68, and has tallied 1598 runs from 93 innings, at a strike rate of 6.68, registering bests of 78* and 4/17. Sophie claimed 9 wickets in 4 games and registered scores of 17 and 64 before being ruled out this season, and on her return, her figures read 11 and 2/26. She can be counted on for the goods.
Tahlia Wilson
The 25-year-old keeper-batter has posted 824 runs from 52 WBBL outings, at an average of 20.09, and registered the highest score of 83*. Tahlia had an excellent T20 campaign leading up to the WBBL but failed to continue in that form. However, in her most recent outing, she top-scored with a solid 33 and should be backed to build on this return to form, scoring important runs in this business end.
Maisy Gibson
The 28-year-old leg-spinner has picked up 72 wickets from 77 WBBL innings, at an economy rate of 6.85, and recorded the best of 4/24, while also being handy with the bat on a few occasions. Maisy had a quiet start to this WBBL campaign, finishing wicketless in her first three outings, but in her recent outings, she has picked up a wicket in each. It is hoped she steps up with improved efforts.
Pitch:
The Junction Oval features an evenly balanced center strip that slightly favors the bowlers. While it is conducive to batting, the average score in the 150s suggests the assistance that bowlers, especially spinners, can expect from the wicket.
Weather:
The conditions are ideal at the Junction Oval, as the chances of rain are minimal, with the overhead expected to be partly cloudy. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 32°C, with moderate winds and 27% humidity.
Fantasy playing XI:
Nicole Faltum, Deandra Dottin, Phoebe Litchfield, Courtney Webb, Georgia Voll, Chamari Athapaththu, Hayley Matthews, Georgia Wareham, Sophie Molineux, Sam Bates, Hannah Darlington
Match details:
Date – November 23, 2024
Time – 4:30 AM IST
Venue – Junction Oval, Melbourne
Broadcast – The game will be telecasted by the Star Sports Network and live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.
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