In match No. 11 of the 2024 Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy (RHFT), defending champions Southern Vipers will take on Northern Diamonds at Utilita Bowl, Southampton. The game is scheduled for 3:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 27th of April, 2024.
Squads:
Southern Vipers – Georgia Adams (C), Georgia Elwiss, Freya Davies, Maia Bouchier, Megan Sturge, Mary Taylor, Alice Monaghan, Rhianna Southby, Abi Norgrove, Lauren Bell, Danni Wyatt, Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith, Emily Windsor, Ava Lee, Charlie Dean, Charlotte Taylor, Ella McCaughan, Finty Trussler, Nancy Harman, Charli Knott*
Northern Diamonds – Hollie Armitage (C), Abi Glen, Grace Hall, Katie Levick, Rachel Slater, Bess Heath, Lizzie Scott, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Sophia Turner, Katherine Fraser, Emma Marlow, Phoebe Turner, Jess Woolston, Leah Dobson, Rebecca Duckworth, Sterre Kalis, Beth Langston, Erin Burns*
Players to watch out:
Maia Bouchier
The 25-year-old top-order batter amassed 322 runs from 8 outings in the RHFT last summer, averaging 40.25. In the lead-up to the competition, she registered consecutive scores of 31, 20, and 19 in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against New Zealand only recently and kicked off this competition with a score of 33. It’ll be hoped that she capitalizes on these starts.
Freya Kemp
The 19-year-old all-rounder hasn’t had a bowl lately, while with the bat, in the ’23 season, she added 211 runs to the tally from 8 games. Freya was in outstanding form ahead of the competition, recording scores of 45, 80, and 14 against New Zealand A. Continuing her form, she scored a fluent 50 in the tournament opener and will be banked upon to lead the tally.
Lauren Winfield-Hill
The 33-year-old keeper-batter, averaging 51.00 and striking at 95.80, amassed 663 runs, including the highest of 116* from 14 RHFT appearances last season. Lauren has had another successful start to this season, notching up an unbeaten 69 in the season opener and followed up with a solid 32. The team will count on her to carry this form into the business end.
Katie Levick
The 32-year-old leg-spinner signed off the 2023 edition with 24 wickets from 13 innings, maintaining an economy rate of 4.39 and registering the best of 4/28. Katie continues to dominate the wickets tally for the Diamonds again this season, returning figures of 4/38 and 1/54. She is a seasoned spinner and can be relied upon for breakthroughs.
Pitch:
The wicket at the Utilita Bowl offers a relatively balanced playing field as the conditions favor both batters and bowlers. The quicks, in particular, gain an advantage from the conditions, and a score in the 290s is considered to be challenging on this track.
Weather:
The temperature is forecasted to hover around 12°C, with a humidity level of 81% and light winds. If the skies don’t clear, expect rain delays and interruptions during the match hours, with showers on the radar throughout the day.
Fantasy playing XI:
Lauren Winfield-Hill, Danni Wyatt, Hollie Armitage, Maia Bouchier, Freya Kemp, Georgia Adams, Erin Burns, Charli Knott, Linsey Smith, Katie Levick, Charlie Dean
Match details:
Date – April 27, 2024
Time – 3:00 PM IST
Venue – Utilita Bowl, Southampton
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the regional team’s website and YouTube channel.