Auckland Hearts Women vs Northern Brave Women | Squads, Players to Watch, Live Streaming Details

The December 14 fixture of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HJS) 2025-26 will see Auckland Hearts desperate for redemption against Northern Brave Women. In their recent clash, a five-wicket victory for the Brave, will still be smarting for the home side. For the Hearts, who are currently sitting comfortably at the top of the points table with 14 points, this game is all about proving the last one was an anomaly, not a new pattern.

Squads:

Auckland Hearts Women’s Cricket Team

Bella Armstrong, Eve Meachen, Jessica Smith, Ayaan Lambat, Josie Penfold, Prue Catton, Elizabeth Buchanan, Amie Hucker, Anika Tauwhare, Olivia Anderson, Rishika Jaswal, Talia Hurley

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

Players to watch out:

Prue Catton

Prue Catton has piled up 172 runs in four innings at an excellent average of 57.33, giving real solidity to the Hearts’ top order. Her standout knock is 87 from 100 balls, showing she can bat long while still keeping the board moving at a strike rate above 80. With two half-centuries already and 19 fours to her name, Catton has been one of the most consistent run-makers in this Shield campaign so far.

Caitlin Gurrey

Caitlin Gurrey has chipped in with 166 runs from four innings, averaging 41.50 and providing valuable stability in the Brave batting line-up. A highest score of 71 illustrates her ability to construct a substantial innings, while a strike rate just over 71 underlines her steady, anchor role at the top. With 17 fours and a six, Gurrey has mixed controlled aggression with responsibility across the opening rounds.

Fran Jonas

Fran Jonas has been a key left-arm spinner in the competition, taking 8 wickets in four matches at an average of 16.37. Her best figures of 3 for 27 from 27 overs highlight how she can both attack and contain, going at under five runs an over. Jonas’s ability to apply pressure through disciplined spells has kept Auckland in control through the middle overs.

Lucy Boucher

Lucy Boucher has made an impact with the ball, collecting 6 wickets in four outings at an outstanding average of 12.83. Her best figures of 4 for 21 underline her knack for striking in clusters and breaking partnerships. Conceding only 3.66 runs per over, Boucher has combined wicket-taking threat with impressive economy for the Brave.

Pitch:

Eden Park Outer Oval in Auckland, expect mostly cloudy skies with breezy conditions throughout the day, starting with temperatures around 16°C in the morning and peaking at 20°C in the afternoon. Light winds from the northwest at 15-25 km/h could pick up, keeping conditions cool and potentially affecting play, though no significant rain is forecast until later evening.

Weather:

Auckland’s weather features overcast periods and gusty breezes under mostly cloudy cover from morning to night. Daytime highs will reach about 20°C with lows dipping to 15°C overnight, ideal for cricket but with wind possibly influencing swing bowling.

Fantasy Playing XI:

Bella Armstrong, Eve Meachen, Jessica Smith, Ayaan Lambat, Josie Penfold, Prue Catton, Caitlin Gurrey, Eve Wolland, Marina Lamplough, Yasmeen Kareem, Carol Agafili