The 41st game of 2024-25 Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) will be played on February 21 at 7:30 AM IST at the W.A.C.A. Ground in Perth between Western Australia and South Australian Scorpions. The latter enters this game with confidence after defeating Western Australia by 47 runs in their previous encounter, in which Jemma Barsby put on a game-winning display, scoring 57 and claiming 3/28*. Conversely, Western Australia will be keen to improve after a poor start to the campaign.
South Australia is currently placed second in the points table after winning seven of their eleven games and collecting thirty points. They have won their last two games, indicating that they have found their form at the perfect time. Western Australia, however, is battling for consistency and is at the bottom with only two victories in 11 games and nine points.
Squads:
Western Australia
Chloe Piparo (C), Emily Arlott, Charis Bekker, Zoe Britcliffe, Mathilda Carmichael, Maddy Darke, Bhavi Devchand, Amy Edgar, Mikayla Hinkley, Shay Manolini, Rebecca McGrath, Lilly Mills, Taneale Peschel, Maddie White
South Australia Scorpions
Hollie Armitage, Jemma Barsby (C), Darcie Brown, Emma de Broughe, Emmerson Filsell, Ellie Johnston, Courtney Neale, Annie O’Neil, Bridget Patterson, Maddie Penna, Alex Price, Megan Schutt, Courtney Webb, Amanda-Jade Wellington
Players to watch out:
Chloe Piparo
The 30-year-old right-handed batter has been in impressive form in the WNCL. This season, she has scored 327 runs in 11 matches, with her highest score being 104. Last year, she was the fourth-highest run-scorer, amassing 470 runs in 12 matches. Western Australia’s skipper, she struck 35 in her team’s last outing against their upcoming opponents. Her recent scores include both a duck and a brilliant 77.
Zoe Britcliffe
The 29-year-old right-arm medium bowler Zoe Britcliffe has been in good form this season, claiming 15 wickets in 11 innings with the best bowling performance of 4/32. She has also scored 90 runs in 9 matches. Her previous season’s performance was equally impressive, with 12 wickets in 10 innings. Although she went wicketless in her last match, Zoe’s recent form has been encouraging with 1, 2 and 3-wicket hauls in her last four matches.
Bridget Patterson
The 30-year-old right-handed batter has been in fine form, currently sitting ninth in the race for most runs this season. Her run tally stands at 394 runs in 11 innings, with the highest score of 90. In the last season, she finished among the top 20 run scorers, scoring 309 runs in 12 matches. She will be a player to look out for, given her impressive scores of 65 and 90 in her last two matches.
Maddie Penna
The 24-year-old leg break bowler and right-handed batter has elevated her game this season. After managing just 4 wickets last season, she has taken 14 wickets in 11 matches this season. She has also scored 259 runs in 11 matches, including the highest score of 52. Her recent form is particularly noteworthy, with scores of 4, 30 and 40 in her last three matches, complemented by nine wickets over the same period.
Pitch:
W.A.C.A. Ground’s pitch is renowned for being balanced, providing both hitters and pacers with chances. Given that the first-innings average is about 210, a competitive total will be essential. Teams that win the toss may try to bowl first in order to take advantage of the conditions, as fast bowlers are anticipated to get some movement early on.
Weather:
With scattered clouds and the temperature forecasted to hover around 27°C, Perth is likely to have ideal playing conditions with no disruptions. For both sides to play in the best circumstances, the temperature is predicted to stay reasonable during the game.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Maddy Darke, Bridget Patterson, Courtney Webb, Hollie Armitage, Mikayla Hinkley, Emma de Broughe, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Jemma Barsby, Amy Edgar, Lilly Mills, Maddie Penna
Match details:
Date – February 21, 2025
Time – 07:30 AM IST
Venue – WACA Ground, Perth
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on cricket.com.au and will also be available on Kayo Sports.
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