The Central Hinds step out onto Fitzherbert Park with a clear mission: solidify their spot among the top contenders in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HJS) 2025-26. They’ve been highly competitive this season, currently sitting fourth on the ladder. Otago Sparks, the defending champions, are in an unfamiliar and uncomfortable position at the bottom of the table with five points after four matches.
Squads:
Central Hinds Women’s Cricket Team
Aniela Apperley, Cate Pedersen, Emma McLeod, Georgia Atkinson, Kerry-Anne Tomlinson, Anna Gaging, Flora Devonshire, Grace Foreman, Jessica Ogden, Ocean Bartlett, Ashtuti Kumar, Claudia Green
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:
Emma McLeod
Emma McLeod has started strongly with the bat, scoring 208 runs in four innings at a fine average of 69.33. She already has a commanding century to her name, an unbeaten 139, which showcases her ability to bat deep and dominate attacks. With a strike rate near 85 and 19 fours, McLeod has been the engine of the Hinds’ top order so far.
Saffron Wilson
Saffron Wilson has compiled 129 runs in four innings at 32.25, giving Otago useful runs in the top order. Her highest score of 79 shows she can play the substantial knock when set, striking at just over 70. With 11 boundaries in the tournament, Wilson has combined rotation of strike with timely boundary-hitting to keep the Sparks competitive.
Elizabeth Cohr
Elizabeth Cohr has been a standout new-ball option, taking 8 wickets in just two innings at an exceptional average of 6. Her best figures of 4 for 13 underlines how destructive she has been when conditions suit, swinging games in Hinds’ favour almost single-handedly. An economy rate close to 3.5 and strike rate just over 10 balls per wicket make Cohr one of the most lethal bowlers in this Shield so far.
Emma Black
Emma Black has quietly built an effective campaign with the ball, claiming 8 wickets in four matches at an average of 16.25. Her best figures of 4 for 37 show she can run through a line-up when she finds rhythm. Going at just over 3.5 runs per over, Black has offered Sparks both control and penetration in the middle overs.
Pitch:
Fitzherbert Park in Palmerston North offers a balanced pitch with early seam and bounce for pacers, transitioning to spin-friendly conditions later. Average T20 scores range 150-190, favoring chases due to grip and wear. Shorter boundaries boost batting, but quality attacks can defend totals.
Weather:
Anticipate partly cloudy skies with moderate winds, temperatures climbing from 14°C early to a high of 22°C by midday. Low chance of showers in the afternoon, making it generally playable with good visibility.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Cate Pedersen, Emma McLeod, Georgia Atkinson, Flora Devonshire, Grace Foreman, Jessica Ogden, Caitlin Blakely, Isy Parry, Poppy Jay Watkins, Emma Black, Louisa Kotkamp
Match Details:
Date – December 14, 2025
Time – 3:00 AM IST
Venue – Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on New Zealand Cricket YouTube channel.
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