In the ongoing 2023 edition of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HJS), Northern Brave and Wellington Blaze are set to lock horns at Seddon Park, Hamilton. The game is slated for the 25th of November, 2023, at 6:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Northern Brave – Eimear Richardson (C), Bernie Bezuidenhout (WK), Nensi Patel, Caitlin Gurrey, Tash Wakelin, Jess Watkin, Samantha Barriball, Marama Downes, Lucy Boucher, Shriya Naidu, Kayley Knight, Holly Topp, Jesse Prasad
Wellington Blaze – Leigh Kasperek (C), Nicole Baird, Rebecca Burns, Rachel Bryant, Kate Chandler, Natasha Codyre, Xara Jetly, Caitlin King, Jess Mcfadyen (WK), Georgia Plimmer, Monique Rees, Gemma Sims, Phoenix Williams
Players to watch out:
Tash Wakelin
The 17-year-old all-rounder showed promise in the Under-19 World Cup but faced challenges in the HJS competition previously. However, Tash has started this season impressively, scoring 59 in her only appearance. The team will hope she builds on this strong start.
Nensi Patel
The 21-year-old pacer had an impressive run last season, contributing with both bat and ball. In the current ’23/24 domestic season, Nensi started with bowling figures of 3/41 but faced a setback with a duck in her batting. The team will rely on her to contribute valuable runs and maintain her momentum with the ball.
Jess Mcfadyen
The 32-year-old keeper-batter had an impressive run in the previous edition, averaging 40.83. Although she had a quiet start this season with a duck, Jess quickly rebounded with a strong innings of 68 runs. The team will count on her to maintain this form and post another impactful score in the upcoming games.
Xara Jetly
The 22-year-old off-spinner has been in fine form, claiming 11 wickets in the previous HJS season and adding 3 more wickets in her recent outing. With impressive figures of 0/8 (2) and 3/25 (5) in a couple of outings this season, the team will hope for Xara to maintain her consistent performance and contribute effectively with the ball.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at Seddon Park pleases the bowlers, especially the spinners, and presents difficulties for the batters. The spin-friendly conditions result in an average score in the 140s, requiring batters to exhibit discipline to post a competitive total.
Weather:
Despite cloudy overhead, the chances of rain are very slim, meaning we should have a complete game on our hands. The temperature is forecasted to be around 19°C with moderate winds and a humidity level of 57%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Jess Mcfadyen, Georgia Plimmer, Bernie Bezuidenhout, Tash Wakelin, Leigh Kasperek, Nensi Patel, Xara Jetly, Lucy Boucher, Natasha Codyre, Kayley Knight, Nicole Baird
Match details:
Date – November 25, 2023
Time – 6:30 AM IST
Venue – Seddon Park, Hamilton
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on Cricket New Zealand’s YouTube channel.
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