The Blaze and Northern Diamonds are slated to face off in match no. 6 of the ongoing 2024 edition of the Charlotte Edwards (CE) Cup on the 23rd of May, 2024. The game will be played at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, and live action commences at 11:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
The Blaze – Bethan Gammon, Bethany Harmer, Daisy Mullan, Georgie Boyce, Marie Kelly, Michaela Kirk, Kathryn Bryce, Kirstie Gordon, Lucy Higham, Nadine de Klerk, Teresa Graves, Ella Claridge (WK), Sarah Bryce (WK), Tammy Beaumont, Cassidy McCarthy, Grace Ballinger, Josie Groves, Sarah Glenn, Sophie Munro
Northern Diamonds – Leah Dobson, Rebecca Duckworth, Sterre Kalis, Emma Marlow, Erin Burns, Hollie Armitage, Jessica Woolston, Bess Heath, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Abigail Glen, Beth Langston, Grace Hall, Katherine Fraser, Katie Levick, Lizzie Scott, Phoebe Turner, Rachel Slater, Sophia Turner
Players to watch out:
Kathryn Bryce
The 26-year-old all-rounder, in T20Is, has amassed 1,197 runs from 43 innings and has also struck 46 wickets from 44 outings. In the lead-up to the competition, in the World Cup qualifier, Kathryn scored 177 runs and produced 9 wickets in 5 outings. In the 2024 CE Cup opener, though she departed cheaply for 4, her bowling returns read 2/16. She can be relied upon for all-round efforts.
Grace Ballinger
The 22-year-old left-arm pacer, maintaining an economy rate of 7.50, bagged 6 wickets from 8 CE Cup games last summer. Grace kicked off her 2024 season with a 3-fer but only managed a couple more wickets in the subsequent five 50-over games. However, in the CE Cup opener, she looked in good rhythm, producing figures of 1/18 (4), and will be backed to make the most of this return to form.
Lauren Winfield-Hill
The 33-year-old keeper-batter, striking at 123.02, accumulated 171 runs from 7 appearances in the 2023 CE Cup and registered a highest score of 98. In the 50-over games this domestic season, Lauren has consistently managed strong starts and also has a couple of scores in the 60s. Though she departed cheaply for just a couple in the T20 opener, she can be counted on to lead the scoring.
Katie Levick
The 32-year-old leg-spinner, averaging 12.00 and maintaining an economy rate of 6.26, picked up 12 wickets from 7 games last CE Cup season. Continuing her strong reputation in domestic cricket, Katie claimed 10 wickets from 6 one-day games in the lead-up to the T20 competition. In the CE Cup opener, she was on the receiving end yet managed to take a wicket and can be banked upon for more.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at the venue is somewhat neutral, with conditions advantageous to both batters and bowlers. Spinners, in particular, benefit from the conditions, and a score in the 150s is considered competitive on this wicket.
Weather:
It will be a pleasant day to be at Trent Bridge for cricket, as the chances of rain are minimal despite a cloudy overhead. The temperature is forecast to hover around 12°C, with moderate winds and a humidity level of 79%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Lauren Winfield-Hill, Sarah Bryce, Sterre Kalis, Erin Burns, Hollie Armitage, Nadine de Klerk, Kirstie Gordon, Kathryn Bryce, Katie Levick, Lucy Higham, Grace Ballinger
Match details:
Date – May 23, 2024
Time – 11:00 PM IST
Venue – Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the regional team’s website and YouTube channel.
