In the 2024-25 Women’s T20 Super Smash, both Otago Sparks and Northern Brave have lost one game each, while registering 5 and 2 wins from six and four outings, respectively. The two teams will face each other in match no. 16 on the 16th of January 2025, at 5:10 AM Indian Standard Time (IST), at University Oval, Dunedin.
Squads:
Otago Sparks
Suzie Bates, Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Anna Browning, Eden Carson, Olivia Gain, Kirstie Gordon, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Hayley Jensen (C), Molly Loe, Felicity Robertson
Northern Brave
Carol Agafili, Chamari Athapaththu, Sam Barriball, Marama Downes, Caitlin Gurrey, Marina Lamplough, Shriya Naidu, Jesse Patel, Holly Topp, Tash Wakelin, Nensi Patel, Jess Watkin (C), Amanda-Jade Wellington
Players to watch out:
Suzie Bates
The 37-year-old all-rounder in the Smash last summer amassed 398 runs, at an average of 56.85 and a strike rate of 115.69, from 10 outings, and registered the highest score of 84*, while also taking 3 wickets. Suzie kicked off this Smash season with a fifty, and though she departed cheaply in subsequent outings, it is hoped she will build on her starts with a substantial score.
Hayley Jensen
The 32-year-old all-rounder last edition managed only 58 runs from 8 T20 Smash innings and picked up only 3 wickets from 9 outings. Hayley has looked near her best this season, being economical and effective so far, producing bowling figures of 1/22, 1/25, 1/11, 2/22, 1/13, and 1/25. She has stepped up with improved efforts this season and can be relied upon to continue in this form.
Chamari Athapaththu
The 34-year-old all-rounder in the 2023-24 Super Smash, from 9 outings, posted 221 runs at a strike rate of 128.48 and struck 9 wickets at an economy rate of 7.50. Chamari has picked up from where she left off, registering scores of 26, 45, and 71, alongside bowling returns of 1/32, 4/16, and 2/23. She is a seasoned campaigner and can be relied upon to produce the goods.
Marama Downes
The 22-year-old pacer, from 11 Smash outings, scalped 17 wickets at an average of 12.68, an economy rate of 5.58, and recorded the best of 5/12. Marama had a promising start to this domestic season, taking 8 wickets from 6 One Dayers, and continuing in this form, she has returned bowling figures of 1/20, 1/25, and 1/27 in the Smash outings and can be trusted for the wickets.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at Dunedin University Oval is relatively balanced, with an average score in the 130s. While conditions are conducive to batting, the wicket also offers assistance to bowlers, particularly pacers, as reflected in the healthy average score.
Weather:
The conditions at Dunedin are forecasted to be pleasant for cricket, with minimal chances of rain. The temperature is expected to hover around 16°C, with moderate winds and humidity at 77%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Polly Inglis, Bella James, Caitlin Blakely, Chamari Athapaththu, Suzie Bates, Jess Watkin, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Eden Carson, Emma Black, Kirstie Gordon, Hayley Jensen
Match details:
Date – January 16, 2025
Time – 5:10 AM IST
Venue – University Oval, Dunedin
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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