In Match No. 42 of the 2024-25 Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL), title holders Tasmania Tigers will lock horns with Victoria at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. As the tournament approaches the business end, the competitors will look to maximise every opportunity to snatch as many points and escalate their status on the points table.
Currently, Tasmania Tigers are placed on the fourth spot in the points table and are eying their fourth consecutive win. On the other hand, Victoria are a step below the ladder and will look to avenge the loss against the same opposition a couple of days back.
Squads:
Tasmania Tigers
Elyse Villani (C), Nicola Carey, Julia Cavanough, Maisy Gibson, Ruth Johnston, Emma Manix-Geeves, Tabatha Saville, Amy Smith, Lauren Smith, Naomi Stalenberg, Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman, Callie Wilson
Victoria women’s cricket team
Nicole Faltum (C), Sophie Day, Samara Dulvin, Tess Flintoff, Hasrat Gill, Ella Hayward, Olivia Henry, Sara Kennedy, Rhys McKenna, Sasha Moloney, Jasmin Nevins, Georgia Prestwidge, Sophie Reid
Players to watch out:
Elyse Villani
Veteran Elyse Villani has been richly recognised for her astute captaincy and leads the way for the Tasmania Tigers. The 35-year-old has scored 188 runs in 10 innings, including an innings of 117 against the Australian Capital Territory Meteors as well. Though she may not have been the star performer with the bat just yet, the skipper is aiming to win three consecutive titles for the Tasmania Tigers.
Molly Strano
A clever off-spinner capable of delivering in the Powerplay, Strano has established herself as one of the most dependable and consistent spinners. In the ongoing WNCL, Strano has plucked 13 wickets in 11 matches with the best bowling figures of 2/29. The 32-year-old has bowled spells at an economy of 4.62 per over, which makes her one of the bowlers to look forward to.
Nicole Faltum
Victorian captain Nicole Faltum will shoulder immense responsibility going forward in an important game. The opener has amassed 430 runs in 11 innings, including the best score of 90 against Queensland Fire. The 25-year-old is the 7th highest run getter of the tournament and scored a half century (52) against the same team in the previous encounter.
Tess Flintoff
The all-rounder from Victoria, Tess Flintoff is one of the players who could play a decisive role in the game with her all-round abilities. In 11 innings, the 21-year-old has smashed 250 runs with an average nearing 28. She has chipped in with the ball as well, scalping 8 wickets at an economy rate of 5.34.
Pitch:
Traditionally, the pitch provides early support to bowlers with movement off the surface, but as the match advances, it transforms into a favorable track for batters. Moreover, the ground is influenced by afternoon sea breezes flowing in from the Derwent River.
Weather:
It is expected to be partly cloudy in Hobart with 10% chances of precipitation. The temperature is expected to be around 19°C, with winds blowing at 11 km/hr and humidity at 55%.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Nicole Faltum, Hasrat Gill, Ella Hayward, Nicola Carey, Elyse Villani, Tess Flintoff, Georgia Prestwidge, Amy Smith, Molly Strano, Maisy Gibson, Sophie Day
Match details:
Date – February 21, 2025
Time – 8:30 AM IST
Venue – Bellerive Oval, Hobart
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on cricket.com.au and will also be available on Kayo Sports.
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