In match no. 30 of the ongoing 2023-24 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, Wellington Blaze and Canterbury Magicians will face off at the Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington, on the 18th of February 2024, at 3:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Wellington Blaze – Leigh Kasperek (C), Nicole Baird, Rebecca Burns, Kate Chandler, Tash Codyre, Hannah Francis, Xara Jetly, Jess Kerr, Caitlin King, Jess Mcfadyen (WK), Georgia Plimmer, Gemma Sims
Canterbury Magicians – Laura Hughes (C), Kate Anderson, Sarah Asmussen, Missy Banks, Natalie Cox, Jodie Dean, Harriet Graham, Emma Irwin, Frankie Mackay, Jacinta Savage, Izzy Sharp, Jess Simmons, Gabby Sullivan
Players to watch out:
Jess Mcfadyen
The 32-year-old keeper-batter, with an average of 45.57, has amassed 319 runs, including the highest of 122*, from 9 HJS appearances this edition. Jess has had a bittersweet start to the 2nd leg fixtures, registering scores of 2, 122*, and 0. It’ll be hoped she again finds her way back amongst runs and makes the most of it.
Nicole Baird
The left-arm off-spinner has scalped 10 wickets from 8 HJS outings this summer, maintaining an economy rate of 4.56. On HJS’s return, Nicole returned figures of 2/36 and also chipped in with the bat, scoring 32* runs. It’ll be hoped she carries forward this momentum into the business end of the tournament.
Jacinta Savage
The 28-year-old batter has accumulated 147 runs from 9 HJS outings this ’23/24 season, while also taking a wicket from her 3 bowling innings. Jacinta kicked off the 2nd leg fixtures with a fine 28; however, she departed on scores of 4 and 0. The team will count on her to step up with the bat, find her footing, and lead the scoring.
Gabby Sullivan
The 25-year-old pacer, from 9 HJS outings this summer, maintains an economy rate of 4.91 and has registered the best of 3/38. Gabby’s bowling figures from her previous 3 outings, and 2nd leg fixtures, read 1/48, 0/43, and 3/38. She has been in notable form lately and will be relied upon for the goods.
Pitch:
The Cello Basin Reserve wicket offers favorable conditions for bowlers, especially spinners, leading to an average score in the 170s. Batters face challenges on this wicket but can convert their starts once they find their rhythm.
Weather:
Despite the overcast conditions with cloudy overhead and moderate winds, a complete game of cricket can be expected as the chances of rain are minimal. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 20°C with a humidity level of 80%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Jess Mcfadyen, Georgia Plimmer, Kate Anderson, Frankie Mackay, Leigh Kasperek, Kate Chandler, Gabby Sullivan, Sarah Asmussen, Xara Jetly, Tash Codyre, Nicole Baird
Match details:
Date – February 18, 2024
Time – 3:00 AM IST
Venue – Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the New Zealand Cricket YouTube channel.