The 29th edition of the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL), Australia’s premier domestic competition, is reaching its final stages, with teams battling hard for crucial points. In match 34, New South Wales Breakers will take on South Australian Scorpions at Cricket Central, Sydney Olympic Park. The action is set to kick off at 4:30 AM IST, promising an intense showdown.
The Breakers have been in sublime form, winning four of their last five encounters, including a convincing 44-run victory over South Australia in their previous meeting. Meanwhile, the Scorpions are struggling to find momentum, having won just one of their last five games. With both teams eyeing a strong finish to the season, expect a fiercely competitive contest.
Squads:
New South Wales Breakers:
Georgia Adams (C), Sam Bates, Caoimhe Bray, Maitlan Brown, Lauren Cheatle (VC), Sarah Coyte, Hannah Darlington, Elsa Hunter, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Anika Learoyd, Claire Moore, Frankie Nicklin, Tahlia Wilson
South Australian Scorpions:
Bridget Patterson (C), Hollie Armitage, Emma de Broughe, Emmerson Filsell, Ellie Johnston, Eleanor Larosa, Courtney Neale, Annie O’Neil, Maddie Penna, Alex Price, Megan Schutt, Courtney Webb, Amanda-Jade Wellington
Players to watch out:
Georgia Adams
A 31-year-old all-rounder and the captain of New South Wales, Adams has been in stellar form. With 14 wickets from 9 matches, including the best of 3/14, she has consistently troubled batters. With the bat, she has amassed 274 runs, with her highest score being 78, making her a vital asset for her team.
Sammy-Jo Johnson
An experienced all-rounder, 32-year-old Sammy-Jo Johnson has made a name for herself in the WBBL, playing for the Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat. Over ten seasons, she has accumulated 962 runs with the highest score of 52 while also taking 109 wickets, including the best of 4/26. In the ongoing WNCL season, she has been a key contributor, scoring 113 runs in 8 matches (best: 46*) and claiming 12 wickets.
Bridget Patterson
The 30-year-old batter has been a mainstay in South Australia’s lineup, scoring 239 runs in 9 matches with the best of 88. A WBBL veteran, she has featured in 140 matches for the Adelaide Strikers, scoring 1,981 runs over ten seasons. She will be key to South Australia’s hopes of turning things around.
Ella Hayward
At just 21 years old, Ella Hayward has already gained experience in 40 WBBL matches for the Melbourne Renegades, where she has taken 21 wickets with the best of 4/16. In this WNCL season, she has been outstanding, securing 11 wickets from 9 matches (best: 2/35) while also excelling with the bat, amassing 346 runs, including a remarkable 112*.
Pitch:
The pitch at Cricket Central is a batter’s paradise, offering good bounce and carry. Pacers can extract some movement early on, while spinners might come into play as the game progresses. With an average first-innings score of 236, teams winning the toss often prefer to bat first to capitalize on the favorable conditions.
Weather:
Sydney is expected to experience a light rainy day, with temperatures hovering around 27°C. Moderate winds and 79% humidity could make conditions tricky, and with light showers in the forecast, the chances of a full game being played remain uncertain.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Tahlia Wilson, Bridget Patterson, Courtney Webb, Anika Learoyd, Georgia Adams, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Maddie Penna, Hannah Darlington, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Sam Bates, Megan Schutt
Match details:
Date: February 9, 2025
Time: 4:30 AM IST
Venue: Cricket Central, Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney
Live Streaming: Available on cricket.com.au and Kayo Sports.
