In the ongoing 2023 edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), Sydney Thunder and Perth Scorchers will compete in match no. 44. The game is scheduled to take place at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, on the 18th of November, 2023, at 9:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Sydney Thunder – Marizanne Kapp, Heather Knight (C), Samantha Bates, Paris Bowdler, Hannah Darlington, Saskia Horley, Ebony Hoskin, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Claire Moore, Olivia Porter, Lauren Smith, Tahlia Wilson, Chamari Athapaththu
Perth Scorchers – Sophie Devine (C), Lauren Winfield-Hill, Amy Jones, Charis Bekker, Piepa Cleary, Amy Edgar, Alana King, Beth Mooney, Taneale Peschel, Chloe Ainsworth, Stella Campbell, Maddy Darke, Lisa Griffith, Lilly Mills, Chloe Piparo, Nat Sciver-Brunt
Players to watch out:
Chamari Athapaththu
The 33-year-old opening batter in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), in 120 games, has piled on 2651 runs and bagged 40 wickets, while in the WBBL, in 43 outings, has accumulated 885 runs. Chamari has been in scintillating form this season, and following recent scores of 17 and 10, she knitted a handy 43 in her most recent game. The team will bank on her to deliver another match-winning knock in this purple patch.
Heather Knight
The 32-year-old all-rounder in the WBBL, in 77 batting outings, has amassed 1975 runs at a strike rate of 113.31, while also bagging 52 wickets from 67 outings. Heather hasn’t been required a lot this season, with the top-order getting the job done. But whenever she’s been required to bat deep for the Thunder, she’s been among runs (52*, 38, and 45). The team will rely on her to continue delivering the goods.
Beth Mooney
The 29-year-old keeper-batter, in 127 WBBL outings, has racked up 4617 runs, including the highest of 102, at an average of 48.60 and a strike rate of 124.88. Beth has had just another extraordinary season this time around as well, scoring runs consistently. Her scores from her previous 4 outings read: 50, 47*, 101*, and 91*. It’ll be expected of her to make the most of the form she is in.
Chloe Ainsworth
The 18-year-old pacer has been outstanding in her maiden WBBL season, living up to expectations. Chloe, in 9 outings, has picked up 14 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 6.82, and has produced the best of 3/25. Chloe averages 14.14 with the ball, and her previous 3 figures read: 1/15, 2/8, and 2/12. The Scorchers will want her to carry forward this form into the knockouts.
Pitch:
The Sydney Cricket Ground provides a well-balanced wicket, one that pleases both batters and bowlers. The 22-yard strip offers enough assistance to spinners, as a result, the average score at the venue is around the 130s, indicating that it’ll not be a very high-scoring contest.
Weather:
The conditions are ideal to be at the Sydney Cricket Ground as the chances of rain are minimal with the overhead expected to be bright and clear. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 21°C with light winds, and humidity of 75%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Beth Mooney, Tahlia Wilson, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Phoebe Litchfield, Chamari Athapaththu, Sophie Devine, Amy Edgar, Alana King, Hannah Darlington, Chloe Ainsworth
Match details:
Date – November 18, 2023
Time – 9:30 AM IST
Venue – Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.