In match no. 27 of the ongoing 2023-24 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, Otago Sparks and Auckland Hearts are set to lock horns. The game will be played at the University Oval, Dunedin, on the 17th of February 2024, at 3:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Otago Sparks – Suzie Bates, Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Eden Carson, Olivia Gain, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Hayley Jensen, Molly Loe, Felicity Robertson (C), Poppy Jay Watkins, Saffron Wilson
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:
Polly Inglis
The 27-year-old keeper-batter, with an average of 48.2, has amassed 241 runs, including the highest of 73, from 7 HJS outings this edition. Polly kicked off the 2nd leg fixtures with a fine 36 and in the following game, remained unbeaten on 8. She didn’t find any success in the Smash; however, can be counted on to step up for the side, leading the scoring.
Emma Black
The 22-year-old pacer, averaging 13.35 and maintaining an economy rate of 3.51, has struck 14 wickets from 7 HJS outings, including the highest of 4/12. Emma has been in outstanding form throughout the summer and continuing on her form, has returned figures of 4/21 and 1/30 on HJS return. It’ll be hoped she carries forward this momentum into the business end.
Maddy Green
The 31-year-old batter, this ’23/24 HJS season, has racked up 251 runs, including the highest of 91*, from 5 outings, and bagged 3 wickets from as many innings. Maddy has been impressively consistent of late, and in her most recent outing, notched up a solid 70*, while also finishing on figures of 1/36. She’ll be relied on for the goods.
Bree Illing
The 20-year-old left-arm pacer has scalped 8 wickets from 6 HJS games this edition, maintaining an economy rate of 5.38. Following a successful Smash season, it was expected that Bree would translate the same form into the 2nd leg fixtures, but hasn’t yet, with figures of 0/20 (4) and 0/34 (6). It’ll be hoped she gets amongst the wickets.
Pitch:
The University Oval, Dunedin, features a well-balanced center wicket that’s favorable for both batters and bowlers, especially the pacers, to make an impact on the game. The average score in the 230s indicates favorable conditions for scoring runs as well.
Weather:
It will be a pleasant day for cricket in Dunedin with no expected rain interruptions and partly cloudy skies. The temperature will be around 18°C, with light winds and a humidity level of 82%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Polly Inglis, Maddy Green, Suzie Bates, Caitlin Blakely, Saachi Shahri, Emma Black, Josie Penfold, Felicity Robertson, Anna Browning, Eden Carson, Molly Penfold
Match details:
Date – February 17, 2024
Time – 3:00 AM IST
Venue – University Oval, Dunedin
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the New Zealand Cricket YouTube channel.