Otago Sparks and Northern Brave face off on November 30 in what promises to be a crucial battle in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HJS) 2025-26. Otago Sparks have struggled to find their rhythm this season with two losses from as many games, while Northern Brave have managed one win and one loss. Both teams are eager to climb the points table and improve their standings.
Squads:
Northern Brave Women’s Cricket Team
Caitlin Gurrey, Eve Wolland, Marina Lamplough, Yasmeen Kareem, Carol Agafili, Jess Watkin, Skye Bowden, Tash Wakelin, Holly Topp, Kayley Knight, Marama Downes, Nensi Patel
Otago Sparks Women’s Cricket Team
Caitlin Blakely, Olivia Gain, Anika Todd, Anna Browning, Felicity Leydon-Davis, Isy Parry, Poppy Jay Watkins, Chloe Deerness, Emma Black, Louisa Kotkamp, Suzie Bates, Harriett Cuttance
Players to watch out:
Holly Topp
The Northern Districts wicketkeeper, Holly Topp, has proven her value with the bat, accumulating 52 runs across her two innings. She has maintained a solid batting average of 26.00, with her highest score being 32 so far in this year’s competition.
Lucy Boucher
Lucy Boucher has been a star performer with the ball for Northern Districts, currently topping the wicket-takers list with 5 wickets in two matches. Her excellent best bowling figures of 4/21 came with an outstanding economy rate of 2.58 runs per overs.
Saffron Wilson
Saffron Wilson has been a key run-scorer for Otago Sparks early in the tournament, notching up 92 runs from her two innings. She boasts a commendable high score of 79, achieving it at an impressive strike rate of 76.03.
Louisa Kotkamp
Opening her account strongly as a bowler, Louisa Kotkamp has claimed 2 wickets in her two matches played for the Otago Sparks. She has bowled 7.0 overs in total, maintaining an average of 18.50 and an economy of 5.28 runs per over
Pitch:
The pitch at Cobham Oval is known for being batting-friendly, offering a flat and even surface that supports high scoring. It provides good pace and bounce, allowing batters to play freely especially in the initial stages. However, the pitch can slow down slightly later, giving spinners some assistance as the match progresses.
Weather:
The weather in Whangarei is forecasted to reach a high of around 27°C with a low near 10°C. Expect warm conditions with a couple of morning showers, and possibly some clouds later in the day. The overall conditions should still be suitable for cricket with only light disruptions if any.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Caitlin Blakely, Chloe Deerness, Emma Black, Louisa Kotkamp, Suzie Bates, Saffron Wilson, Caitlin Gurrey, Lucy Boucher, Holly Topp, Kayley Knight, Nensi Patel
Match Details:
Date – November 30, 2025
Time – 3:00 AM IST
Venue – Cobham Oval (New), Whangarei
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on New Zealand Cricket YouTube channel.
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