Match 22: Auckland Hearts Women vs Central Hinds Women | Squads, Players to Watch, Live Streaming Details

In the ongoing Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HJS) 2025-26 Auckland Hearts sit fourth on the points table with 14 points from seven matches, having won three and lost four, their net run rate at -0.83 after some tough chases. Central Hinds are right behind in fourth with 17 points from an identical record, NRR -0.112, showing they’ve been in the fight but leaking a few extra runs lately. Both sides have had their ups and downs, with recent losses putting pressure on them to grab crucial points.

Squads:

Auckland Hearts Women’s Cricket Team

Bella Armstrong, Jessica Smith, Ayaan Lambat, Josie Penfold, Prue Catton, Elizabeth Buchanan, Amie Hucker, Anika Tauwhare, Olivia Anderson, Rishika Jaswal, Talia Hurley, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green

Central Hinds Women’s Cricket Team

Hannah Rowe, Flora Devonshire, Kate Gaging, Ashtuti Kumar, Emma McLeod, Rosemary Mair, Cate Pedersen, Grace Foreman, Jess Ogden, Kerry Tomlinson, Aniela Aperley, Georgia Atkinson, Elizabeth Cohr

Players to watch out:

Prue Catton

Catton has been a reliable anchor in the middle order, amassing 208 runs across the summer so far. Her season highlight was a patient, match-winning 87* against Otago Sparks, where she carried her side through a tricky chase. She also chipped in with a vital 60 in a high-pressure encounter against the Hearts, proving she’s one of the best finishers in the competition.

Emma McLeod

McLeod is having a career-defining season at the top of the order, leading the Hinds with 342 runs. Her standout moment was a breathtaking 139* against Wellington Blaze at Fitzherbert Park, an innings that included 12 boundaries and lasted 145 deliveries. She has been incredibly consistent, adding another 72 and a 62 to her tally, making her the primary target for opposition bowlers.

Also Read: Jess Watkin's Unbeaten 70 Powers Northern Brave to Comfortable Win Over Canterbury Magicians

Bree Illing

Bree has established herself as a spearhead in Auckland Hearts bowling attack, known for her ability to extract bounce and movement. She finished the season with 9 wickets, including best figures of 4 for 22 at an economy rate of 4.07 and a strike rate of 34. Her performances have been so impressive that she recently earned her first international call-up for New Zealand.

Elizabeth Cohr

Elizabeth has provided crucial balance to the Hearts’ bowling unit, often used to build pressure through the middle overs. She has claimed 14 wickets this season, the most by any bowler and leads the wickets column, with best bowling figures of 4 for 13 maintaining a tidy economy rate of 5.13 that has frustrated many of the competition’s top batters. Her discipline with the ball has been a key factor in Auckland reaching the tournament final.

Pitch:

The pitch is known for being slightly slower than typical New Zealand decks, often assisting spinners more as the game progresses. However, it is generally a high-scoring ground for limited-overs matches due to the relatively short boundaries.

Weather:

Expect high humidity, which helps the ball swing early on. The weather often cycles through four seasons in one day, so while it’s currently a pleasant 23°C and sunny, a sudden coastal breeze or a brief shower is never out of the question.

Fantasy Playing XI:

Bella Armstrong, Josie Penfold, Prue Catton, Amie Hucker, Izzy Gaze, Hannah Rowe, Flora Devonshire, Ashtuti Kumar, Emma McLeod, Rosemary Mair, Elizabeth Cohr