While the Canterbury Magicians lost both their opening round games of the 2024-25 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HJS), Northern Brave managed a win and a loss. The Magicians and Brave will next lock horns in Round 4 on the 1st of December 2024. The game will be played at Mainpower Oval, Rangiora, with live action commencing at 3:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Canterbury Magicians Women
Laura Hughes (C), Jess Simmons, Izzy Sharp, Nat Cox, Jodie Dean, Harriet Graham, Sarah Asmussen, Missy Banks, Gabby Sullivan, Emma Irwin, Kate Ebrahim, Kate Anderson
Northern Brave Women
Bernie Bezuidenhout, Nensi Patel, Jesse Prasad, Skye Bowden, Marama Downes, Holly Topp, Carol Agafili, Tash Wakelin, Caitlin Gurrey, Jess Watkin (C), Yaz Kareem, Eve Wolland, Shriya Naidu
Players to watch out:
Kate Anderson
The 28-year-old all-rounder, from 6 outings in the 2023-24 HJS, accumulated 192 runs at an average of 32.00 and claimed 3 wickets from 5 bowling innings at an economy rate of 5.36. Kate hasn’t had a successful start to this domestic season, departing cheaply for scores of 0 and 1, and it is hoped she rediscovers her footing, leading the scoring while also being handy with the ball.
Sarah Asmussen
The 24-year-old leg-spinner was a standout for the team last season, scalping 14 wickets from 10 outings, including the best of 3/21, while maintaining an economy rate of 4.92. Sarah has picked up from where she left off last season, returning figures of 1/34 and 2/51 in her first couple of outings this season. She is a promising talent and can be relied upon to produce breakthroughs.
Jess Watkin
The 26-year-old all-rounder, in the last edition of the HJS, added 168 runs from 9 outings and also secured 7 wickets, with respective bests of 56 and 3/28. Jess has had a positive start to this season, registering scores of 42 and 35, alongside bowling figures of 0/47 and 2/35. She is a seasoned campaigner and can be counted on to lead the scoring while also being among the wickets.
Nensi Patel
The 22-year-old pacer enjoyed a successful run last season, striking 10 wickets from 9 outings at an economy rate of 3.67, and also stepped up with the bat, chipping in with 144 runs, including the highest score of 46. Nensi has produced bowling figures of 0/49 (10) and 1/31 (10) in her two outings this season so far and can be trusted for all-round efforts, delivering the goods.
Pitch:
The center wicket at Mainpower Oval, Rangiora, offers a fair contest between bat and ball. With an average score in the 240s, it promises an intriguing contest, as both spinners and pacers can make an impact.
Weather:
The conditions promise a complete game of cricket in Rangiora, with clear sunny skies. The temperature is expected to hover around 21°C, with moderate winds and a humidity level of 66%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Laura Hughes, Izzy Sharp, Kate Anderson, Jodie Dean, Bernie Bezuidenhout, Tash Wakelin, Nensi Patel, Jess Watkin, Sarah Asmussen, Gabby Sullivan, Marama Downes
Match details:
Date – December 1, 2024
Time – 3:00 AM IST
Venue – Mainpower Oval, Rangiora
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on New Zealand Cricket’s YouTube channel.