The 29th edition of the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL), Australia’s premier domestic competition, gets underway on the 24th of September 2024, with Western Australia and defending champions Tasmania Tigers locking horns. The curtain raiser will be hosted by the Western Australia Cricket Association Ground, Perth, and the live action commences at 7:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Western Australia – Chloe Piparo (C), Chloe Ainsworth, Charis Bekker, Zoe Britcliffe, Mathilda Carmichael, Maddy Darke, Bhavi Devchand, Amy Edgar, Lisa Griffith, Mikayla Hinkley, Natasha Kelsey, Shay Manolini, Lilly Mills, Taneale Peschel
Tasmania Tigers – Elyse Villani (C), Nicola Carey, Julia Cavanough, Maisy Gibson, Ruth Johnston, Lizelle Lee, Emma Manix-Geeves, Tabatha Saville, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Lauren Smith, Naomi Stalenberg, Molly Strano, Callie Wilson
Players to watch out:
Maddy Darke
The 23-year-old keeper-batter, at an average of 50.88, amassed 458 runs from 12 appearances in the 2023-24 WNCL, and registered the highest score of 76*. In the lead-up to the 2024 domestic season, Maddy registered scores of 27, 106*, and 22 in the One Dayers against India A, and notched up another ton in an unofficial Test. She is a reliable anchor and can be banked on to lead the scoring.
Chloe Ainsworth
The 19-year-old pacer, maintaining an economy rate of 5.10, scalped 9 wickets, including the best of 3-fer from 11 outings in the 2023-24 WNCL season, and also chipped in with the bat, scoring 90 runs from 7 innings. Chloe had a breakthrough season last year with notable successes, and it’s hoped she carries that momentum into this season, delivering the goods with both bat and ball.
Nicola Carey
The 31-year-old all-rounder, in the WNCL last season, from 13 outings, racked up 696 runs at an average of 69.60, and bagged 14 wickets at an economy rate of 4.30, registering bests of 113* and 3/47. Nicola capped off the previous domestic season with consecutive scores of 75*, 92, and 111*, alongside figures of 1/41, 3/47, and 1/47. The seasoned campaigner can be relied upon for all-round efforts.
Molly Strano
The 31-year-old off-spinner, at an average of 20.41 and an economy rate of 4.33, struck as many as 17 wickets from 9 innings in the WNCL last season. Molly had missed out on a few games last season yet was among the leading wicket-takers. She has been consistent over the past seasons, and given her recent success and experience, she can be counted on for breakthroughs, leading the tally.
Pitch:
The Western Australia Cricket Association Ground provides a good batting deck with an average score in the 230s. However, the wicket poses a formidable challenge for batters throughout the game due to its lively nature, especially against pacers.
Weather:
It’ll be a bright, sunny day in Perth, with the temperature expected to hover around 20°C, moderate winds, and a humidity level of 58%. With a clear forecast, we are in for a full game of cricket.
Fantasy playing XI:
Maddy Darke, Elyse Villani, Chloe Piparo, Mikayla Hinkley, Nicola Carey, Amy Edgar, Chloe Ainsworth, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Molly Strano, Lauren Smith, Lilly Mills
Match details:
Date – September 24, 2024
Time – 7:30 AM IST
Venue – Western Australia Cricket Association Ground, Perth
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on cricket.com.au and will also be available on Kayo Sports.