Match 30: Otago Sparks Women vs Canterbury Magicians Women | Squads, Players to Watch, Live Streaming Details

It’s been a frustrating campaign for both Otago Sparks and Canterbury Magicians in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2025-26 who find themselves at the bottom of the ladder with 10 points and 5 points respectively. Otago’s chances of a finals berth officially vanished after those two agonizingly close losses to Wellington. Canterbury’s season has been equally tough, with their last outing being a loss to Northern Brave. For both sides, this clash is about pride and ensuring they don’t finish the season with the wooden spoon.

Squads:

Otago Sparks Women’s Cricket Team

Polly Inglis, Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Anna Browning, Chloe Deerness, Eva Gray, Laura Harris, Bella James, Louisa Kotkamp, Felicity Robertson, Anika Todd, PJ Watkins, Olivia Gain, Hannah O’Connor, Issy Parry, Saffron Wilson

Canterbury Magicians Women’s Cricket Team

Lea Tahuhu, Kate Anderson, Sarah Asmussen, Missy Banks, Kate Chandler, Nat Cox, Jodie Dean, Abigale Gerken, Abigail Hotton, Kate Irwin, Izzy Sharp, Gabby Sullivan, Stella Cornelius, Darcy Prasad, Libby Stead

Players to watch out:

Izzy Sharp

Izzy has provided some crucial middle-order stability for Canterbury Magicians throughout the summer. While she is still hunting for a massive score, her 265 runs at an average of nearly 30 have been vital in several competitive totals. She plays with a level-headed approach and has shown she can rotate the strike well under pressure, as seen in her strike rate of 74.85.

Anna Browning

Anna has been a vital part of Otago Sparks’ campaign, contributing significantly in multiple facets of the game. She has notched up 231 runs with the bat, including a half-century, and has provided a reliable bowling option when the captain needs to break a partnership. Her ability to stay calm during the death overs has seen her finish several games not out, boosting her season average to 38.50.

Also Read: Match 11: Central Hinds Women vs Wellington Blaze Women | Squads, Players to Watch, Live Streaming Details

Emma Black

Emma has been the spearhead for Otago, sitting at the very top of the wicket-taking list with 20 wickets in 9 games. Her average of 14.00 is sensational, and her ability to take multiple wickets in a spell is shown by her two 4-wicket hauls this season. She bowls with a relentless line and length, making it incredibly difficult for batters to find any rhythm against her.

Sarah Asmussen

Sarah has been the leading light for the Canterbury bowling unit, using her leg-spin to great effect. She has collected 16 wickets at an average of 21.37, showing great control by conceding only 4.75 runs per over. Her best figures of 4/48 demonstrate her ability to run through a side once she finds her groove, making her one of the most dangerous slow bowlers in the competition.

Pitch:

The ground features one of the few block-soil turf wickets in the country. It typically starts quite green, providing plenty of assistance to the pacers. Once the initial moisture and grass are negotiated, it becomes a solid track for stroke-play.

Weather:

Dunedin will experience light rain with a high of 14°C and a low of 10°C; winds will be 14 mph from the southwest.

Fantasy Playing XI:

Polly Inglis, Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Anna Browning, Louisa Kotkamp, PJ Watkins, Lea Tahuhu, Kate Anderson, Sarah Asmussen, Missy Banks, Izzy Sharp