In match no. 16 of the ongoing 12th edition of the Twenty20 (T20) Women’s Super Smash, Canterbury Magicians and Auckland Hearts will lock horns at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch on the 7th of January, 2024, at 5:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Canterbury Magicians – Frankie Mackay (C), Kate Anderson, Sarah Asmussen, Missy Banks, Nat Cox, Jodie Dean, Laura Hughes, Sophie Molineux, Fatina Sana, Izzy Sharp, Gabby Sullivan, Lea Tahuhu
Auckland Hearts – Bella Armstrong, Anna Browning, Skye Bowden, Prue Catton, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green (C), Amie Hucker, Bree Illing, Fran Jonas, Josie Penfold, Molly Penfold, Saachi Shahri
Players to watch out:
Izzy Sharp
The 19-year-old keeper-batter had a decent 1st leg Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HJS), One-Day competition outing with twin scores of 45 and a solid 36. Izzy failed to carry forward the momentum into the Smash, managing only one significant score of 32. However, she’ll have the backing of the team to rediscover her form.
Lea Tahuhu
The 33-year-old pacer, with 79 T20 Internationals under her belt, has taken 78 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 6.02, and registered the best being 4/6. Impactful as ever, Lea has returned figures of 1/16, 0/20, and 3/10 in her three Smash outings. It’ll be expected of the senior pro to continue on this form and also chip in with late runs.
Maddy Green
The 31-year-old batter has amassed 926 runs, including the highest of 49*, from 71 outings and has been in sublime touch lately. Only recently, Maddy concluded the home Pakistan series with successive scores of 83 and 65*, and continuing on the momentum, she registered 26 and 36 in her Smash outings. It’ll be hoped she capitalizes on these scores.
Josie Penfold
The 24-year-old all-rounder was a standout for the team in the 1st leg HJS fixtures, adding 101 runs and 4 wickets to the tally in 3 games. Making the most of her form, Josie kicked off the Smash with a 23 and has recorded figures of 1/27, 0/20, and 1/16 from her 3 outings with the ball. She’ll be relied upon for the goods, both with bat and ball.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at Hagley Oval caters to both spinners and pacers with its array of variations. It would be wise for the batters to take their time and find their rhythm before shifting gears, targeting a competitive total in the 140s.
Weather:
It’ll be a bright sunny day at the Hagley Oval with the temperature expected to hover around 22°C, with light winds, and a humidity level of 79%. With a clear forecast, we are in for a complete game of cricket.
Fantasy playing XI:
Izzy Sharp, Kate Anderson, Skye Bowden, Frankie Mackay, Fatima Sana, Sophie Molineux, Anna Browning, Lea Tahuhu, Gabby Sullivan, Fran Jonas, Sarah Asmussen
Match details:
Date – January 7, 2024
Time – 5:00 AM IST
Venue – Hagley Oval, New Zealand
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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