Match no. 20 of the 2024 Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy (RHFT) has The Blaze and Thunder slated to lock horns at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on the 6th of May, 2024, at 3:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST). With a win each from their respective 4 outings, the two haven’t had the best of starts and with a win will want to bring their campaigns on track.
Squads:
The Blaze – Kirstie Gordon (C), Ella Claridge, Marie Kelly, Sarah Bryce, Beth Harmer, Josie Groves, Sarah Glenn, Grace Ballinger, Teresa Graves, Sophie Munro, Lucy Higham, Tammy Beaumont, Scarlett Hughes, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Michael Kirk, Georgie Boyce, Cassidy McCarthy, Kathryn Bryce, Nadine de Klerk*
Thunder – Ellie Threlkeld (C), Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone, Tara Norris, Dani Collins, Daisy Mullan, Laura Jackson, Seren Smale, Emma Lamb, Mahika Gaur, Olivia Bell, Liberty Heap, Naomi Dattani, Alice Clarke, Hannah Jones, Ailsa Lister, Sophie Morris, Fi Morris, Hannah Rainey, Phoebe Graham, Shachi Pai, Katie Mack*
Players to watch out:
Marie Kelly
The 28-year-old all-rounder had a decent RHFT season last edition, accumulating 239 runs from 12 games, while also taking 3 wickets from as many innings. In the ongoing season, Marie hasn’t had the best of outings, departing cheaply with scores of 4, 0, 5, and 20. It’ll be hoped that she capitalizes on her start from her recent outing, leading the scoring.
Nadine de Klerk
The 24-year-old all-rounder in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), from 29 innings has added 473 runs to the tally, while from 35 outings has scalped 47 wickets. Bringing her all-round presence to the RHFT games, Nadine has registered scores of 43, 15, and 10, while her bowling figures read 1/35, 1/31, 0/16, and 1/41. She will be banked upon to deliver the goods.
Seren Smale
The 19-year-old keeper-batter had a notable 2023 RHFT season, scoring the best of 94, though only managed 179 runs from 8 innings. Seren kicked off the ongoing season with scores of 32 and 21, and though departed for 9 in the following game, she notched up a 99 in her most recent outing. She’ll be backed to extend this form into the business end.
Tara Norris
The 25-year-old left-arm pacer bagged 10 wickets from as many outings last summer, at an economy rate of 5.20, while also chipping in scoring 133 runs from 7 innings. Tara followed up her figures of 0/26 (4) and 0/10 (3) with 3/45 (10) in her most recent outing, and her batting scores read 19 and 0. She can be counted on for all-round performances.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at Trent Bridge caters to both batters and bowlers. Although it is a batting-friendly surface, the average score at the venue remains in the 210s, indicating assistance for bowlers, especially spinners.
Weather:
The conditions are expected to be pleasant for the game, with partly cloudy skies and a low chance of rain. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 17°C, with light winds and humidity at 63%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Ellie Threlkeld, Seren Smale, Katie Mack, Naomi Dattani, Nadine de Klerk, Fi Morris, Sophie Ecclestone, Tara Norris, Sophie Munro, Grace Ballinger, Kirstie Gordon
Match details:
Date – May 06, 2024
Time – 3:00 PM IST
Venue – Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the regional team’s website and YouTube channel.