Central Sparks and Northern Diamonds are slated to go head-to-head in match no. 17 of the 2024 Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy (RHFT), on the 4th of May, 2024. The game will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham, and live action commences at 3:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Central Sparks – Eve Jones (C), Davina Perrin, Georgia Davis, Chloe Brewer, Grace Potts, Bethan Ellis, Ria Fackrell, Ami Campbell, Ellie Anderson, Issy Wong, Em Arlott, Katie George, Abbey Freeborn, Poppy Davies, Charis Pavely, Amy Jones, Hannah Baker
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:
Abbey Freeborn
The 27-year-old keeper-batter, averaging 36.45, amassed 401 runs from 12 innings in the ’23 RHFT season and registered the highest score of 107*. Abbey has picked up from where she left off, kicking off the ongoing season with a solid 53. Though she departed on scores of 0 and 3 in her subsequent games, she top-scored with a 93 in her most recent outing. It’ll be hoped she continues on this run of form.
Hannah Baker
The 20-year-old leg-spinner, maintaining an economy rate of 4.91, bagged 10 wickets from 7 innings in the previous edition of the competition. Building on her reputation, Hannah has had a promising start to this season, returning consecutive figures of 3/29 (8), 0/41 (9), 5/45 (10), and 0/37 (6). The team will count on her to capitalize on this rewarding form, leading the wickets tally.
Hollie Armitage
The 26-year-old top-order batter, fresh off a mature ton in an ‘A’ series against New Zealand in March, has carried her form into the ongoing RHFT season. Hollie kicked off her campaign with a fine 61* and building on the momentum, notched up a 114-ball 103 in the following game. She departed cheaply for 6 in her previous couple of games but can be banked upon for big runs.
Erin Burns
The 35-year-old Australian all-rounder in the domestic 50-over competition, from 10 outings, racked up 354 runs and also scalped a couple of wickets. In her RHFT campaign, while Erin hasn’t scored many runs, she has been in excellent form with the ball, producing figures of 1/18 (10), 2/41 (10), 2/56 (10), and 3/40 (10). She’ll be backed to continue her bowling form while finding consistency with the bat.
Pitch:
The Edgbaston wicket provides a somewhat neutral strip as the conditions are advantageous to both batters and bowlers. Pacers, in particular, benefit from the conditions, and a score in the 250s is believed to be a competitive one on this wicket.
Weather:
Light winds, humidity at 66%, and a temperature of around 14°C are forecasted for the game. With clear overhead conditions, the chances of rain are minimal, promising a complete game of cricket.
Fantasy playing XI:
Amy Jones, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Hollie Armitage, Eve Jones, Davina Perrin, Erin Burns, Hannah Baker, Phoebe Turner, Georgia Davis, Katie Levick, Grace Potts
Match details:
Date – May 04, 2024
Time – 3:00 PM IST
Venue – Edgbaston, Birmingham
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the regional team’s website and YouTube channel.