In the penultimate league game, match no. 39, of the ongoing 10th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), the bottom-ranked Melbourne Stars (8th) and Adelaide Strikers (7th) will take center stage at the Junction Oval in Melbourne. The game is scheduled for 4:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 24th of November 2024.
Squads:
Melbourne Stars Women
Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Day, Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Maisy Gibson, Hasrat Gill, Liv Henry, Marizanne Kapp, Meg Lanning, Rhys McKenna, Ines McKeon, Sasha Moloney, Sophie Reid, Deepti Sharma
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:
Meg Lanning
The 32-year-old top-order batter, from 97 WBBL innings, has amassed 3,167 runs at an average of 38.62, with a strike rate of 120.18, and has registered the highest score of 101. However, Meg has not found much success this WBBL season, managing only 158 runs at an average of 19.75 from 9 outings. In her recent outings she has managed starts – 22, 14, 13, and 12 – and hopefully follows up this string of starts with a big score.
Kim Garth
The 28-year-old pacer, from 84 WBBL innings, has taken 79 wickets, including the best of 3/11, maintaining an economy rate of 6.29, while also being handy with the bat. Kim has been in notable form lately, claiming 10 wickets from 9 outings, with an economy rate of 6.19. In her last three matches, she has returned figures of 1/21, 1/15, and 0/7, alongside registering scores of 31* and 20. She can be relied upon for the goods.
Tahlia McGrath
The 29-year-old all-rounder, from 131 WBBL outings, has accumulated 2,349 runs at a strike rate of 107.45, and has taken 89 wickets from 118 innings, maintaining an economy rate of 7.08. Tahlia hasn’t had a very successful campaign this time, managing only a handful of notable scores (51*, 64*, 25, and 49) and 5 wickets, all of which came in her recent outings. However, she can be relied upon for an all-round effort.
Amanda-Jade Wellington
The 27-year-old leg-spinner, from 140 WBBL outings, has taken 157 wickets at an economy rate of 6.78, with the best of 5/8, and she has also contributed with the bat, scoring 675 runs at a strike rate of 130.30 from 73 innings. Amanda-Jade hasn’t been at her wicket-taking best this season, claiming only 8 wickets, including 3 in her previous two games. Yet, she can be trusted for breakthroughs and handy runs.
Pitch:
The Junction Oval features an evenly balanced center strip that slightly favors the bowlers. While it is conducive to batting, the average score in the 140s suggests that bowlers, particularly spinners, can expect some assistance from the wicket.
Weather:
The rain on the radar throughout the match duration could play spoilsport, potentially leading to a washout. The temperature is expected to hover around 19°C, with light winds and a humidity level of 86%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Bridget Patterson, Smriti Mandhana, Meg Lanning, Katie Mack, Marizanne Kapp, Annabel Sutherland, Tahlia McGrath, Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Kim Garth, Sophie Day
Match details:
Date – November 24, 2024
Time – 4:30 AM IST
Venue – Junction Oval, Melbourne
Broadcast – The game will be telecasted by the Star Sports Network and live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.
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