Wellington Blaze and Central Hinds will go head-to-head at the Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington, in match no. 24 of the ongoing 2023-24 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HJS), on the 4th of February, 2024, at 2:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Wellington Blaze – Leigh Kasperek (C), Nicole Baird, Rebecca Burns, Kate Chandler, Tash Codyre, Hannah Francis, Xara Jetly, Amelia Kerr, Caitlin King, Jess Mcfadyen (WK), Georgia Plimmer, Monique Rees
Central Hinds – Natalie Dodd (C, WK), Aniela Apperley, Georgia Atkinson, Ocean Bartlett, Flora Devonshire, Anna Gaging, Kate Gaging, Claudia Green, Mikaela Greig, Ashtuti Kumar, Rosemary Mair, Emma Mcleod, Hannah Rowe
Players to watch out:
Leigh Kasperek
The 31-year-old all-rounder in the ongoing HJS season, from 6 innings, has amassed 269 runs and scalped 10 wickets from 7 outings, registering respective bests of 89 and 5/16. On HJS return, Leigh notched up a solid 66 and returned figures of 1/33. She’ll be counted on to deliver the goods.
Xara Jetly
The 22-year-old off-spinner, from 7 HJS outings this summer, has taken 8 wickets, at an economy rate of 4.08 and registered the best of 3/25. Xara was consistent in the Smash, though finished wicketless in a few games in the business end; come the 2nd leg Shield fixtures, she finished with figures of 2/57. It’ll be hoped she carries forward this form.
Georgia Atkinson
The 23-year-old batter has accumulated 204 runs, at an average of 40.80, from 6 outings and registered the highest of 89. Georgia was a standout for the team in the 1st leg fixtures but has struggled with the bat lately, though compensated with the ball. She’ll be backed to find her footing in this fixture.
Hannah Rowe
The 27-year-old all-rounder bagged 7 wickets, including the best of 3/47, maintaining an economy rate of 5.12, while hasn’t yet scored big runs. Hannah was outstanding in the Smash, with 184 runs and 9 wickets to her name, and it’ll be hoped she replicates the same success in the 2nd leg fixtures.
Pitch:
The 22-yard center strip at the venue favors the bowlers, both spinners and pacers, as reflected in the average score of 173. However, batters with strong tactical skills and shot selection can still find ways to accumulate runs.
Weather:
Moderate winds, humidity at 76%, and a temperature of around 19°C are forecasted for the fixture. With clear overhead conditions, the chances of rain are minimal, promising a complete game of cricket.
Fantasy playing XI:
Jess Mcfadyen, Mikaela Greig, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Leigh Kasperek, Georgia Atkinson, Kate Chandler, Hannah Rowe, Claudia Green, Rosemary Mair, Xara Jetly
Match details:
Date – February 4, 2024
Time – 2:30 AM IST
Venue – Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on Cricket New Zealand’s YouTube channel.