The Auckland Hearts and Otago Sparks are set to clash in the 19th match of the 2024–25 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HJS). While Otago Sparks remain unbeaten with a flawless six-win streak, the Auckland Hearts have secured three victories so far. The two teams will lock horns on February 8, 2025, at Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland, with the match kicking off at 3:00 AM IST.
Looking at their recent head-to-head battles, Auckland Hearts hold the edge, winning three of their last five encounters. However, as cricket has shown time and again, past records are just numbers—the real battle unfolds on the field.
Squads:
Auckland Hearts:
Maddy Green (C), Bella Armstrong, Prue Catton, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Amie Hucker, Bree Illing, Rishika Jaswal, Fran Jonas, Cate Pedersen, Josie Penfold, Molly Penfold, Saachi Shahri
Otago Sparks:
Felicity Robertson (C), Suzie Bates, Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Anna Browning, Eden Carson, Chloe Deerness, Olivia Gain, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Hayley Jensen, Molly Loe, Poppy James Watkins
Players to watch out:
Maddy Green
Maddy Green has been the standout performer for Auckland Hearts this season. The 32-year-old New Zealand international has played 78 ODIs, scoring 1576 runs with the highest score of 122. She has been in exceptional form in this tournament, leading the run charts with 325 runs from six matches, including a brilliant 118 as her best score. As the team captain, her experience and ability to anchor the innings make her a key player to watch.
Fran Jonas
Fran Jonas, the 20-year-old left-arm spinner, is another crucial player for Auckland Hearts. She has already made an impact on the international stage with 17 wickets in 25 ODIs, with the best of 2/22. Although she has picked up just four wickets from four matches in the ongoing tournament, she remains a vital part of Auckland’s bowling attack. Her ability to bowl tight spells in the middle overs could play a decisive role in the match.
Polly Inglis
For Otago Sparks, Polly Inglis is a player to watch out for. The 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has been a consistent performer and earned her maiden international call-up during New Zealand’s tour of India in October. While she is yet to make her international debut, she has shown promise in this tournament, scoring 83 runs from four innings, with a best of 42 so far. Her presence in the middle order adds stability to Otago’s batting lineup.
Emma Black
Emma Black has been one of Otago Sparks’ most reliable bowlers this season. The 23-year-old pacer has been in top form, picking up seven wickets from six matches, with a best bowling performance of 2/12. What makes her even more dangerous is her exceptional economy rate of just 3.38, making it difficult for batters to score freely. If she continues her impressive run, she could be a major threat to Auckland’s batting lineup.
Pitch:
The Eden Park Outer Oval offers a balanced playing surface, catering to both batters and pacers. The good bounce and pace allow stroke-makers to play their shots freely, while disciplined bowlers can also reap rewards. Expect an average first innings score of 239, making for a competitive contest.
Weather:
Expect ideal cricketing conditions at Eden Park Outer Oval. The day will see a mix of clouds and sunshine, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 24°C. A breezy afternoon might assist bowlers who can exploit swing. Most importantly, no rain disruptions are expected.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Bella James, Felicity Robertson, Suzie Bates, Anna Browning, Fran Jonas, Hayley Jensen, Molly Penfold, Bree Illing, Amie Hucker
Match details:
Date: February 8, 2025
Time: 03:00 AM IST
Venue: Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland
Live Streaming: Catch the action live on New Zealand Cricket’s YouTube channel.
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