Defending champions Otago Sparks will take on Auckland Hearts in match no. 6 of the 2025–26 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HJS) at the University Oval in Dunedin. The game is scheduled for November 16, 2025, starting at 3:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Otago Sparks were the team to beat last season, registering nine wins from ten games, advancing to the final, and ultimately defending their title. Meanwhile, Auckland Hearts secured six wins to finish 2nd on the six-team points table, earning a spot in the final against Otago Sparks.
Squads:
Auckland Hearts Women’s Cricket Team
Olivia Anderson, Bella Armstrong, Elizabeth Buchanan, Prue Catton, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Amie Hucker, Bree Illing, Rishika Jaswal, Fran Jonas, Josie Penfold, Molly Penfold
Otago Sparks Women’s Cricket Team
Felicity Robertson, Suzie Bates, Anna Browning, Caitlin Blakely, Chloe DeerNess, Emma Black, Harriett Cuttance, Bella James, Louisa Kotkamp, Olivia Gain, PJ Watkins, Polly Inglis, Saffron Wilson
Players to watch out:
Maddy Green
The 33-year-old middle order batter has been a key performer for Auckland Women. In the 2024-25 HJS season, she topped the runs chart with 698 runs in 11 innings and an impressive average of 69.80. She delivered a brilliant 126 off 123 balls in the final, a lone standout effort even as Auckland finished as runners-up. In the 2025-26 season opener, though she got out on a duck, she picked up two crucial wickets, reaffirming her reputation as a proven match-winner.
Bree Illing
The 22-year-old left-arm medium bowler remains a cornerstone of Auckland women’s side. In the previous HJS season, she claimed 21 wickets in 11 innings, finishing as the second highest wicket taker of the tournament. She picked up two 4-wicket hauls with best bowling figures being 4/39. Although she went wicketless in the first match of the current season, her tight economy of 3.62 and her past records make her a player to keep an eye on.
Polly Inglis
The 29-year-old wicketkeeper batter continues to be a pivotal figure for Otago Women. In the 2024-25 HJS season, she was the 7th highest run-scorer compiling 340 runs in 9 innings with the highest score of 97. Her crucial innings of 86 guided Otago to a victory in the finals. In the 2025-26 season opener, she fell on 6 but remains poised for a comeback in the second against the same opponents.
Anna Browning
The 22-year-old top order batter is steadily establishing herself as a key player for the Otago Women. In the 2024-25 HJS season, she scored 77 runs in 6 innings with the highest score of 32 and picked up 13 wickets from 7 innings. In the opening match of the current season, she was dismissed for a duck but was economical in her 3-over spell.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at the University of Otago Oval is relatively balanced with an average score in the 220s. While conditions are conducive for batting, the wicket also offers assistance to bowlers, particularly pacers, as reflected by the average score.
Weather:
The conditions are favorable for a complete game of cricket as rain is likely to stay away during match hours. The temperature is forecasted to be around 12°C with moderate winds and 59% humidity.
Match details:
Date – November 16, 2025
Time – 3:00 AM IST
Venue – University Oval, Dunedin
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on New Zealand Cricket YouTube channel.
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