The second T20 in this annual clash in New Zealand North vs South series sees North Island take on South Island at Saxton Oval in Nelson on December 19, with South Island leading 1-0 after a clinical 5-wicket chase in the opener. North Island hunt a quick leveler on a batting friendly pitch, while South Island aim to seal the series early and build momentum.
South Island, buoyed by their confident victory in the first T20, showed composure under pressure to defend a competitive total. North Island will look to leverage home conditions and their balanced squad, but South’s all-round depth gives them the edge in this high-stakes clash.
Squads:
North Island Women’s Cricket Team
Jess Watkin (C), Bella Armstrong, Prue Catton, Flora Devonshire, Kate Gaging, Bree Illing, Xara Jetly, Jess Kerr, Kayley Knight, Emma McLeod, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer
South Island Women’s Cricket Team
Polly Inglis (C), Kate Anderson, Missy Banks, Emma Black, Anna Browning, Jodie Dean, Olivia Gain, Abigail Hotton, Bella James, Louisa Kotkamp, Izzy Sharp, Lea Tahuhu, PJ Watkins
Players to watch out:
Georgia Plimmer
Right-hand batter Georgia Plimmer has 493 runs from 43 T20 International (T20Is) matches. She scored 26 at a strike rate of 104 in the first T20, anchoring the innings. Saxton Oval’s true bounce suits her stroke play perfectly for a bigger knock here.
Jess Kerr
All-rounder Jess Kerr starred in the opener with 3 wickets and 23 runs at over 200 strike-rate. Her pace and lower order hitting turned the game expect her to exploit early movement on this flat track. She has shown outstanding form early this domestic season and can be counted on for the goods.
Izzy Sharp
The 21-year-old right-hand opener and keeper Izzy Sharp smashed 58 in the first T20. Her mature shot selection shone in the chase; she could dominate again on this batter’s paradise.
Lea Tahuhu
Veteran pacer Lea Tahuhu boasts 95 wickets from 98 T20 International (T20Is) matches along with 247 runs. She snared 2 wickets in the opening match of the series. Her experience could restrict North’s middle order on a high scoring surface.
Pitch:
Saxton Oval is a batting friendly track offering good bounce and carry throughout, favoring aggressive stroke play especially in middle and death overs. Pacers might nip early, spinners could turn later, but big scores dominate as it supports free scoring.
Weather:
Cool conditions with minimum at 10°C, maximum at 16°C, partly sunny skies, 20% precipitation chance and 55% humidity are forecasted for the game. Rain will stay away during match hours, promising an uninterrupted game.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Jess Watkin, Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Polly Inglis, Kate Anderson, Bella Armstrong, Nensi Patel, PJ Watkins, Molly Penfold
Match Details:
Date – December 19, 2025
Time – 6:30 AM IST
Venue – Saxton Oval Stadium, Nelson
Broadcast – Live and free on www.cdcricket.co.nz, and for the fans around the world, they can follow the live action on New Zealand Cricket’s Official YouTube channel.
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