The Sydney Sixers opened their campaign with a win in the 10th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and will look to continue their momentum, while the defending champions, Adelaide Strikers, aim to bounce back from an opening loss as they gear up to meet in match no. 5. The game is scheduled for 12:40 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 29th of October 2024, at North Sydney Oval, Sydney.
Squads:
Sydney Sixers Women
Ellyse Perry, Hollie Armitage, Caoimhe Bray, Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Mathilda Carmichael, Lauren Cheatle, Sophie Ecclestone, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Amelia Kerr, Isabella Malgioglio, Kate Pelle, Ellyse Perry, Kate Peterson, Courtney Sippel, Sarah Bryce
Adelaide Strikers Women
Tahlia McGrath, Jemma Barsby, Darcie Brown, Maggie Clark, Ellie Johnston, Eleanor Larosa, Katie Mack, Smriti Mandhana, Anesu Mushangwe, Bridget Patterson, Maddie Penna, Orla Prendergast, Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Laura Wolvaardt
Players to watch out:
Maitlan Brown
The 27-year-old all-rounder in the WBBL, from 85 bowling outings, has taken 72 wickets at an economy rate of 7.09 and added 585 runs at a strike rate of 110.79 from 62 innings. Maitlan had a notable season last year, taking 8 wickets from 9 innings while also adding 181 runs. She has displayed great form this season, recently claiming 13 wickets from 5 outings against India A, and should be backed to replicate that success.
Sophie Ecclestone
The 25-year-old left-arm off-spinner, from 16 WBBL outings, has claimed 22 wickets, including the best of 4/11, maintaining an economy rate of 6.46, while also chipping in with 127 runs at a strike rate of 154.87 from 10 innings. Fresh off a successful T20 World Cup campaign, Sophie carried the momentum into this competition, returning figures of 2/35 in the first game, and can be counted on for improved bowling efforts.
Tahlia McGrath
The 28-year-old all-rounder, from 123 WBBL outings, has amassed 2,178 runs at a strike rate of 106.08, while also bagging 84 wickets at an economy rate of 6.98 from 111 innings, with bests of 93* and 3/8. Tahlia registered scores of 32 and 27 leading up to this WBBL season, and in the curtain raiser, scored a solid 51* and conceded 7 runs in her only over. She can be relied upon for all-round efforts, capitalizing on this form.
Anesu Mushangwe
The 28-year-old leg-spinner, from 17 appearances in the WBBL, has picked up 18 wickets at an economy rate of 6.46 and recorded the best of 2/12. Anesu picked up 16 wickets from 15 outings in the WBBL last year, and in a recent T20 competition, she took 6 wickets from 5 outings. She returned figures of 1/15 (2) in this season opener, and building on this consistent form, could well go on to lead the wickets tally.
Pitch:
The North Sydney Oval has a well-balanced center wicket that caters to both batters and bowlers. It offers runs for batters, evidenced by an average in the 150s, while also providing ample assistance to bowlers, particularly the pacers.
Weather:
Sydney promises ideal conditions for a complete game of cricket, with partly cloudy skies and a minimal chance of rain. The temperature is expected to hover around 18°C, with moderate winds and 59% humidity.
Fantasy playing XI:
Bridget Patterson, Laura Wolvaardt, Ellyse Perry, Hollie Armitage, Katie Mack, Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Orla Prendergast, Megan Schutt, Sophie Ecclestone, Amanda-Jade Wellington
Match details:
Date – October 29, 2024
Time – 12:40 PM IST
Venue – North Sydney Oval, Sydney
Broadcast – The game will be telecast by the Star Sports Network and live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.
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