At Hagley Oval, Christchurch, in match 23 of the ongoing 2023-24 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HJS), Canterbury Magicians and Auckland Hearts are set to lock horns. The game is scheduled for 6:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 4th of February, 2024.
Squads:
Canterbury Magicians – Laura Hughes (C), Kate Anderson, Sarah Asmussen, Missy Banks, Jodie Dean, Abigale Gerken, Abigail Hotton, Frankie Mackay, Jacinta Savage, Izzy Sharp, Jess Simmons, Gabby Sullivan, Lea Tahuhu
Auckland Hearts – Anna Browning, Prue Catton, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green (C), Brooke Halliday, Amie Hucker, Bree Illing, Rishika Jaswal, Fran Jonas, Cate Pedersen, Josie Penfold, Molly Penfold, Saachi Shahri
Players to watch out:
Izzy Sharp
The 19-year-old keeper-batter, from 6 HJS outings this season, has accumulated 145 runs, including the highest of 45. Besides a few starts, Izzy in the Smash managed a couple of good knocks. She will have the backing of the team to capitalize on these starts and return amongst runs, posting match-winning scores.
Gabby Sullivan
The 25-year-old pacer has scalped 10 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 5.03, from 7 HJS appearances in the ongoing season. Gabby was effective in the recently concluded Smash season and continuing on the momentum, she returned figures of 1/48 on HJS return. She can be handy with the bat and will be relied upon for the goods.
Maddy Green
The 31-year-old batter, from 4 outings this HJS edition, has amassed 181 runs, including the highest of 91*. Maddy was in outstanding touch in the Smash, averaging 47.16, and though she departed cheaply on HJS return, returned figures of 2/38. She’ll be counted on to lead the scoring while also taking wickets.
Bree Illing
The 20-year-old left-arm pacer, from 6 outings this summer, has picked up 8 wickets, including the best of 3/44, and maintained an economy rate of 5.38. Bree had a notable Smash season, especially the 2nd half, and has carried the same form into the 2nd leg of HJS fixtures. It’ll be hoped she makes the most of this form.
Pitch:
The Hagley Oval offers a good batting surface, and it is expected to be no different for the game with an average score in the 250s. The wicket will have enough for bowlers, particularly pacers, who can change the course of the game.
Weather:
It will be a pleasant day for cricket at Hagley Oval with no expected rain interruptions and partly cloudy skies. The temperature will be around 20°C, with light winds and humidity of 88%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Kate Anderson, Prue Catton, Saachi Shahri, Josie Penfold, Frankie Mackay, Jodie Dean, Gabby Sullivan, Bree Illing, Molly Penfold
Match details:
Date – February 4, 2024
Time – 6:30 AM IST
Venue – Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on Cricket New Zealand’s YouTube channel.