The 29th edition of the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL), Australia’s premier domestic competition, is approaching its climax, with teams battling for crucial points. In match 37, New South Wales Breakers will lock horns with Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Meteors at Cricket Central, Sydney Olympic Park. The highly anticipated clash is set to commence at 4:30 AM IST on February 19, promising a thrilling contest.
New South Wales Breakers have been in impressive form, securing three wins in their last five encounters, with their most recent fixture ending in no result. On the other hand, Australian Capital Territory Meteors have struggled for consistency, managing just two victories in their last five outings. With both sides eager to finish the season on a high note, a fiercely competitive battle is on the cards.
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
Australian Capital Territory Meteors
Katie Mack (C), Rachel Carroll, Paris Bowdler, Zoe Cooke, Grace Dignam, Holly Ferling, Shivani Mehta, Amy Hunter, Carly Leeson, Grace Lyons, Anesu Mushangwe, Olivia Porter, Gabrielle Sutcliffe, Annie Wikman
Players to watch out:
Tahlia Wilson
The 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has been a reliable performer in the WBBL, representing Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers across seven seasons. She has amassed 868 runs, with a top score of 83*. In the ongoing WNCL, Wilson has been in sublime touch, scoring 487 runs in 10 matches, including the highest score of 112*. She currently sits third on the tournament’s list of top run-getters.
Lauren Cheatle
A 26-year-old left-arm pacer, Cheatle has proven her worth across domestic and international leagues. She has taken 89 wickets in 88 WBBL matches and seven wickets in The Hundred. In the ongoing WNCL, she has claimed 10 wickets in seven matches, with a best of 2/34, and can be relied upon to produce breakthroughs upfront.
Paris Bowdler
A promising 20-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, Bowdler has limited WBBL experience, having played just two matches. Her recent WNCL scores read 4, 13, 32, and 0. Despite inconsistency, she possesses the talent to make a significant impact and will be eager to prove her mettle.
Carly Leeson
A 26-year-old pace-bowling all-rounder, Leeson has featured in 56 WBBL matches, accumulating 376 runs with a top score of 52. With the ball, she has taken 22 wickets, with a best of 3/14. In the current WNCL season, she has been effective, scalping nine wickets in eight innings, with a best of 4/33, while also contributing 182 runs, including an unbeaten 71*.
Pitch:
The surface at Cricket Central is a batter’s paradise, offering excellent bounce and carry. As the match progresses, spinners are likely to get some assistance. The average first-innings score at this venue is 241, and teams winning the toss often opt to bat first to capitalize on the favorable conditions.
Weather:
Sydney is expected to witness light rain, with temperatures hovering around 24°C. Moderate winds and 73% humidity could add an extra challenge for the players. With light showers predicted, the possibility of a full game remains uncertain.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Tahlia Wilson, Katie Mack, Anika Learoyd, Elsa Hunter, Carly Leeson, Georgia Adams, Grace Dignam, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Maitlan Brown, Anesu Mushangwe, Sam Bates
Match details:
Date: February 19, 2025
Time: 4:30 AM IST
Venue: Cricket Central, Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney
Live Streaming: Available on cricket.com.au and Kayo Sports
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