Match no. 13 of the ongoing 2024 Charlotte Edwards (CE) Cup will feature a contest between Thunder and Central Sparks at Old Trafford, Manchester. The game gets underway at 5:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 30th of May, 2024.
Squads:
Thunder – Alice Clarke, Daisy Mullan, Danielle Collins, Katie Mack, Liberty Heap, Shachi Pai, Emma Lamb, Georgia Voll, Grace Johnson, Naomi Dattani, Olivia Bell, Ailsa Lister (WK), Eleanor Threlkeld (WK), Seren Smale (WK), Fi Morris, Hannah Jones, Kate Cross, Laura Jackson, Mahika Gaur, Phoebe Graham, Sophie Ecclestone, Sophie Morris, Tara Norris
Central Sparks – Eve Jones (C), Emily Arlott, Chloe Brewer, Hannah Baker, Ami Campbell, Georgia Davis, Bethan Ellis, Abbey Freeborn, Ria Fackrell, Katie George, Charis Pavely, Davina Perrin, Grace Potts, Courtney Webb
Players to watch out:
Seren Smale
The 19-year-old keeper-batter featured in only a couple of games in Thunder’s CE Cup campaign last summer. However, she has displayed outstanding form this summer. Averaging 47.66, Seren amassed 286 runs from 6 One Dayers, and continuing on the momentum, her T20 scores read 30*, 37, and 5. Given her recent success, she can be counted on to lead the tally.
Mahika Gaur
The 18-year-old left-arm pacer bagged 5 wickets from 8 CE Cup outings last season, maintaining an economy rate of 8.07. In the ’24 domestic season, while Mahika bagged 4 wickets from as many One Dayers, she capitalized on her form, returning bowling figures of 1/11 (4) and 3/39 (4) in a couple of T20 matches. It’ll be hoped she makes the most of this return to form.
Davina Perrin
The 17-year-old batting all-rounder only managed 76 runs from 6 CE Cup outings last edition. Though Davina had a quiet start again to a domestic season, this time scoring 39 runs from 4 One Dayers, she turned the tables with a 48-ball 76* in the T20 opener and followed up with scores of 26 and 5. She is a promising talent and hopefully carries her form into the business end.
Katie George
The 25-year-old left-arm pacer, from 6 CE Cup outings in 2023, only struck 4 wickets but chipped in with 79 runs. Katie had a similar start to her ’24 season, with 5 wickets from as many One Dayers. However, she has produced impactful figures of 0/31 (4), 4/36 (4), and 1/14 (2) in the T20s. She appears to have found her rhythm and will be banked upon for breakthroughs.
Pitch:
The Old Trafford wicket is a high-scoring venue that typically favors batters. However, the pitch has a neutral character, and the average score at this venue is in the 140s, highlighting it as a well-rounded surface.
Weather:
With cloudy skies and high chances of rain, expect delayed starts and interruptions if the skies don’t clear. The temperature is expected to be around 16°C, with light winds and a humidity level of 75%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Abbey Freeborn, Seren Smale, Emma Lamb, Fi Morris, Davina Perrin, Katie George, Emily Arlott, Tara Norris, Mahika Gaur, Georgia Davis, Grace Potts
Match details:
Date – May 30, 2024
Time – 5:30 PM IST
Venue – Old Trafford, Manchester
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the regional team’s website and YouTube channel.