The Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2024-25 has reached its culmination, as Auckland Hearts take on Otago Sparks in a thrilling finale at University Oval, Dunedin, on 1st March 2025, starting at 3:00 AM (IST).
Sparks, the defending champions, have been dominant this season, winning 9 out of 10 matches, and will be eager to clinch back-to-back titles. Meanwhile, Hearts, two-time winners of the Shield, have secured 6 victories in 10 games and will be determined to upset the Sparks.
Squads:
Auckland Hearts
Bella Armstrong, Prue Catton, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green (C), Brooke Halliday, Amie Hucker, Bree Illing, Fran Jonas, Cate Pederson, Josie Penfold, Saachi Shahri, Anika Todd
Otago Sparks
Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Anna Browning, Eden Carson, Chloe Deerness, Olivia Gain, Polly Inglis, Hayley Jensen, Molly Loe, Felicity Robertson (C), PJ Watkins, Saffron Wilson
Players to watch out:
Saachi Shahri
The 27-year-old right-handed batter has been a standout performer with the bat for Auckland Hearts this season. The right-handed batter is the fourth-highest run-scorer of the tournament, amassing 367 runs in 8 innings. She comes into the final in fine form, with her highest score of 80 coming in the last match, along with other recent contributions of 63, 41, and 44.
Fran Jonas
The 20-year-old slow left-arm orthodox bowler has been in good form this season, picking up 10 wickets in 8 innings, building on her solid numbers from last year, where she took 9 wickets in 6 innings. Her growing experience extends to the international stage, where she has claimed 17 wickets in 24 ODI innings.
Felicity Robertson
A seasoned all-rounder, the 30-year-old has been a key performer for the Otago Sparks this season. With 345 runs in 9 innings, she stands as the fifth-highest run-scorer of the tournament, including a superb 110 as her highest score. Adding to her all-round value, she has also chipped in with 5 wickets. Her consistency isn’t new, last season, she was the third-highest run-scorer, amassing 310 runs. With a proven track record in high-pressure games, Robertson will be a crucial player for Otago.
Hayley Jensen
The 32-year-old has been a vital force in Otago Sparks’ bowling attack. The right-arm medium pacer has had an impressive season, claiming 15 wickets, making her the seventh-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Last year, she featured in only three matches, picking up four wickets. On the international stage, Jensen has proven her credentials, bagging 28 wickets in 33 ODI innings.
Pitch:
The pitch at University Oval offers a relatively balanced playing field as the conditions favor both batters and bowlers. The quicks, in particular, gain an advantage from the conditions, and a score in the 230s is considered to be challenging on this track.
Weather:
The conditions at Dunedin are expected to be cloudy, with a temperature of 21°C, and there is a 20% chance of precipitation. Humidity levels will be at 66%, which could aid swing bowlers early on, while a 16 km/h wind might also play a role in movement through the air.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Izzy Gaze, Saachi Shahri, Maddy Green, Bella Armstrong, Hayley Jensen, Felicity Robertson, Anna Browning, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas, Bree Illing, Emma Black
Match details:
Date – March 1, 2025
Time – 3:00 AM IST
Venue – University Oval, Dunedin
Broadcast – Catch the action live on New Zealand Cricket’s YouTube channel.
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