The 19th match of the Women’s Super Smash will be played between Auckland Hearts and Wellington Blaze on January 20 at Eden Park Outer Oval in Auckland. The game will begin at 5 AM IST (12.30 PM LOCAL).
Both teams will play their seventh game of the tournament. While Auckland Hearts have won three and lost three, Wellington Blaze have won their previous six encounters.
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
Wellington Blaze: Jessica McFadyen (wk), Maddy Green, Rebecca Burns, Georgia Plimmer, Caitlin King, Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr (c), Thamsyn Newton, Olivia Boivin, Leigh Kasperek, Jess Kerr, Bethany Molony, Xara Jetly, Maneka Singh, Deanna Doughty, Natasha Codyre, Rose Fenton
Players to Watch
Amie Hucker:
The right-arm quick of Auckland Hearts was the most successful bowler for her side in the last match against Central Hinds. Coming into bowl as the first change, she claimed 20/2 in four overs, picking up both wickets in the fifth over. She gave an excellent start to her team with the ball.
Prue Catton:
The right-handed opening batter of Auckland Hearts top-scored in the last game against Central Hinds with a brilliant 57 off 49. She smashed nine boundaries in her stroke-filled innings. She also stitched an 83-run partnership with Lauren Down for the second wicket.
Amelia Kerr:
The captain of Wellington Blaze packed a punch with a scintillating 73 not out off 54 balls in the last fixture against Otago Sparks. The right-handed top-order batter led the run chase from the front and guided her team to an eight-wicket win chasing 128. She also bowled her full quota of four overs, conceding 24 runs.
Nicole Baird:
She was the pick of the bowlers for Wellington Blaze in her last appearance against Otago Sparks. Opening the bowling with Jess Kerr, she scalped 23/3 in four overs. She bowled well with the new ball and in the death overs, striking once in the second over and twice in the 20th.
Pitch
It will be the fourth game of the tournament at the venue. The teams batting first have won two, and the teams batting second have won one match so far. The average first innings score is 131, and the average second innings score is 117. The conditions look suitable for a full game of cricket. Expect an exciting contest between bat and ball.
Weather
The weather is expected to be partly sunny, breezy, and pleasant. The maximum temperature attained during the day will be 25 degrees Celsius. There will be a 41 percent cloud cover and a one percent chance of rain. The wind will blow from the southwest.
Fantasy Playing XI
Jessica McFadyen, Rebecca Burns, Maddy Green, Kate Perkins, Prue Catton, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine, Nicole Baird, Amie Hucker, Jess Kerr, Molly Penfold
Match details
Date: January 20, 2023
Time: 5 AM IST (12.30 PM 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.