Looking for their first win of the 2024-25 Women’s Twenty20 (T20) Super Smash, Central Hinds will meet Otago Sparks, who have won three of four games, in match no. 12. The game is scheduled for 5:10 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 12th of January 2025 at Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North.
Squads:
Central Hinds
Mikaela Greig, Georgia Atkinson, Hollie Armitage, Aniela Apperley, Ocean Bartlett, Flora Devonshire, Kate Gaging, Claudia Green, Rosemary Mair, Thamsyn Newton, Hannah Rowe, Kerry Tomlinson
Otago Sparks
Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Anna Browning, Eden Carson, Olivia Gain, Kirstie Gordon, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Hayley Jensen (C), Molly Loe, Felicity Robertson, PJ Watkins
Players to watch out:
Hollie Armitage
The 27-year-old English opening batter, in a T20 competition last year, amassed 323 runs at an average of 35.88 and a strike rate of 115.77 from 10 outings. Hollie didn’t find much success of late; however, she has rediscovered her footing in this competition, registering scores of 32*, 3, 61, and 47. She is an experienced campaigner, and it will be hoped she capitalizes on this return to form.
Rosemary Mair
The 26-year-old pacer in the Super Smash last season added 65 runs from 5 innings and scalped 14 wickets from 10 outings. Rosemary has enjoyed a successful run since then and has chipped in with scores of 23 and 13, while returning bowling figures of 2/16, 2/22, 0/31, and 1/16 this Smash season. She is a seasoned campaigner and can be relied upon for all-round efforts.
Olivia Gain
The 23-year-old batter didn’t find much success in the Super Smash last season, managing only 40 runs from 7 outings. Olivia has had a decent domestic season so far, managing scores of 27 and 55 in the One-Dayers, and building on the momentum, she has registered scores of 10*, 24, and 48 in the T20 games. She is a promising talent and can be counted on to build on this momentum.
Emma Black
The 23-year-old pacer in the 2023-24 Smash season claimed 13 wickets from 10 outings, at an economy rate of 6.00, and recorded the best of 4/17. Emma picked up from where she left off, claiming 7 wickets from 6 One-Dayers this season and has recorded returns of 2/28, 1/16, 0/21, and 1/21 in the T20s. She is a proven wicket-taker and can be trusted to lead the tally.
Pitch:
The 22-yard center strip at Fitzherbert Park offers favorable conditions for bowlers, particularly pacers, leading to an average score in the 120s. Batters face challenges on this wicket but can convert their starts once they find their rhythm.
Weather:
Despite cloudy skies, the chances of rain are slim, and the forecast promises a complete game of cricket in Palmerston North. The temperature is forecast to hover around 17°C, with light winds and humidity at 64%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Polly Inglis, Caitlin Blakely, Hollie Armitage, Olivia Gain, Hayley Jensen, Emma Black, Hannah Rowe, Rosemary Mair, Kirstie Gordon, Eden Carson, Ocean Bartlett
Match details:
Date – January 12, 2025
Time – 5:10 AM IST
Venue – Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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