The stage is set for an exciting clash as the Central Hinds take on the Northern Brave in the 23rd match of the 2024–25 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HJS). The match will take place on February 9, 2025, at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, with the first ball set to be bowled at 3:00 AM IST.
With Central Hinds currently sitting second on the points table, boasting four wins from seven matches, they will look to strengthen their position. On the other hand, Northern Brave, languishing at the bottom with just two victories, will be desperate to turn their fortunes around.
Recent history favors the Central Hinds, who have emerged victorious in four of their last five encounters against Northern Brave. However, as cricket has proven time and again, past records hold little value once the battle begins on the field.
Squads:
Central Hinds:
Mikaela Greig, Georgia Atkinson, Ocean Bartlett, Flora Devonshire, Grace Foreman, Kate Gaging, Claudia Green, Ashtuti Kumar, Emma McLeod, Thamsyn Newton, Jess Ogden, Hannah Rowe, Kerry Tomlinson
Northern Brave:
Carol Agafili, Marama Downes, Annie Ewart, Caitlin Gurrey, Yaz Kareem, Marina Lamplough, Shriya Naidu, Nensi Patel, Jesse Prasad, Tash Wakelin, Jess Watkin, Eve Wolland
Players to watch out:
Emma McLeod
At just 18 years old, Emma McLeod is proving to be a rising star. She showcased her potential in the U19 World Cup with scores of 34, 3, 11, 15, and 18. Carrying that form into the ongoing HJS season, she has amassed 237 runs from seven matches, including the best of 68*, placing her sixth among the tournament’s highest run-getters.
Ocean Bartlett
A lethal force with the ball, 21-year-old Ocean Bartlett made an impact in the recently concluded Women’s Super Smash, taking 8 wickets from 9 matches. In this tournament, she has been a standout performer, currently the joint-leading wicket-taker with 14 scalps in seven matches, including a breathtaking 6/27.
Jess Watkin
An experienced 26-year-old batting all-rounder, Jess Watkin has represented New Zealand in 6 ODIs, scoring 86 runs with the highest of 62 and taking 6 wickets with the best of 2/30. In the ongoing HJS season, she has been consistent with both bat and ball, scoring 142 runs (best: 42) and picking up 7 wickets (best: 2/35).
Nensi Patel
A promising 22-year-old all-rounder, Nensi Patel has been a key contributor with the ball. In this season, she has taken 8 wickets from 7 matches, with the best of 2/25. Her recent form was also impressive in the Women’s Super Smash, where she claimed 6 wickets.
Pitch:
Pukekura Park offers a well-balanced surface, catering to both batters and pacers. The pitch provides good bounce and pace, allowing stroke-makers to play their shots freely, while disciplined bowlers can also find rewards. With an expected average first-innings score of 222, fans can anticipate a competitive contest.
Weather:
Perfect cricketing conditions await at Pukekura Park, with a mix of clouds and sunshine throughout the day. The temperature is expected to range between 14°C and 24°C, with a breezy afternoon that could assist swing bowlers. Most importantly, rain is unlikely to play spoilsport, ensuring uninterrupted action.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Kate Gaging, Caitlin Gurrey, Flora Devonshire, Priyanaz Chatterji, Nensi Patel, Claudia Green, Jess Watkin, Hannah Rowe, Ocean Bartlett, Rosemary Mair, Marama Downes
Match details:
Date: February 9, 2025
Time: 03:00 AM IST
Venue: Pukekura Park, New Plymouth
Live Streaming: Catch the action live on New Zealand Cricket’s YouTube channel.
Loves all things female cricket
