The 10th match of the Women’s Super Smash will be played between Auckland Hearts and Otago Sparks on January 2 at Eden Park Outer Oval in Auckland. The game will begin at 2.30 AM IST (10 AM LOCAL).
Auckland Hearts will play their third game of the tournament, having won one and lost the other. On the other hand, Otago Sparks will feature in their fourth fixture, having won one and lost two. These two teams played against each other on December 29, with Auckland Hearts winning the match by six wickets.
Squads
Auckland Hearts: Izzy Gaze (Wk), Sarah Carnachan (Wk), Katie Perkins, Lauren Down (c), Saachi Shahri, Prue Catton, Skye Bowden, Emma Irwin, Makayla Templeton, Holly Huddleston, Bella Armstrong, Anna Browning, Sydney Bultitude, Molly Penfold, Arlene Kelly, Fran Jonas, Josie Penfold, Amie Hucker, Amberly Parr-Thompson, Bree Illing
Otago Sparks: Bella James, Felicity Leydon-Davis, Olivia Gain, Paige Loggenberg, Saffron Wilson, Suzie Bates (c), Caitlin Blakely, Gemma Adams, Kate Ebrahim, Jordan Meltzer (Wk), Polly Inglis (Wk), Sophie Gray (Wk), Chloe Deerness, Eden Carson, Emma Black, Hayley Jensen, Molly Loe, Sophie Oldershaw
Players to Watch
Suzie Bates:
The captain of Otago Sparks is an experienced all-rounder. The right-handed opening batter got off to a steady start in her last outing against Auckland Hearts, scoring 10 off 14, before unfortunately getting out hit wicket. The right-arm seamer bowled her full quota of four overs, giving away 20 runs and accounting for one scalp.
Kate Ebrahim:
The right-handed middle-order batter of Otago Sparks top-scored for her team in her last game against Auckland Hearts. Batting at number four, she muscled 40 off 39, including two boundaries and a six. She picked 30/1 in four overs with the ball, bowling right-arm medium-pace.
Lauren Down:
The skipper of Auckland Hearts led the run chase from the front in the last fixture against Otago Sparks. Coming into bat at number three, the right-hander smashed an unbeaten 44 off 34, including four boundaries and a six. She guided her team to a six-wicket win chasing 131 runs.
Arlene Kelly:
The right-arm pace sensation of Auckland Hearts was one of the most successful bowlers in her last appearance against Otago Sparks. She opened the bowling and claimed 15/2 in four overs, picking up both wickets in the 19th over. She was also the most economical bowler for her team.
Pitch
It will be the first game of the tournament at the venue. Expect a fresh surface that will offer plenty of runs. However, a thick cloud cover could help the fast bowlers to get some movement. An exciting contest between the bat and the ball could be on the cards.
Weather
The weather is expected to see a shower in spots in the morning; otherwise, it will be cloudy and windy. The maximum temperature attained during the day will be 22 degrees Celsius. There will be a 99 percent cloud cover and a 41 percent chance of rain. The wind will blow from the east-northeast.
Fantasy Playing XI
Polly Inglis, Suzie Bates, Saachi Shahri, Lauren Down, Kate Ebrahim, Caitlin Blakely, Anna Browning, Arlene Kelly, Fran Jonas, Emma Black, Hayley Jensen
Match details
Date: January 2, 2023
Time: 2.30 AM IST (10 AM LOCAL)
Venue: Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland
Live streaming: Fan Code
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I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.