In match no. 8 of the ongoing 02 edition of the Women’s Twenty20 International (T20I) Pacific Cup, Papua New Guinea and Cook Islands are set to lock horns. The match is set to be held at Lloyd Elsmore Park 2, Auckland, on the 18th of January, 2024, at 7:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Papua New Guinea – Brenda Tau (C), Sibona Jimmy (VC), Vicky Araa, Kaia Arua, Vicky Buruka, Kevau Frank, Dika Lohia, Erani Pokana, Tanya Ruma, Pauke Siaka, Henao Thomas, Geua Tom (WK), Isabel Toua, Naoani Vare
Cook Islands – Tetiare Mataora (C), Mummy Elikana, Ioane Evangelean, Zamera Maeva, Tailor Maika, Koitai Mataora (WK), Maya Piakura, Tapuaiva Piakura, Angite Ruarau, Sofia Samuels, Sonnia Vaia, Esther Williams, Zamera Ikiua
Players to watch out:
Naoani Vare
The 25-year-old batter, with 40 T20I outings, has racked up 701 runs, including the highest score of 88*, and averages 25.96. Naoani, while being run out for 1(9) in the opener, top-scored with 34 runs off 28 balls in the following game this tournament. It’ll be expected of her to carry forward this momentum.
Sibona Jimmy
The 31-year-old all-rounder, in 40 T20I outings with the bat, has amassed 636 runs, including the highest score of 58*, and bagged 43 wickets from as many innings, registering the best figures of 4/13. In the opening day fixtures, Sibona returned figures of 1/4 and 0/10, while also scoring 17(16). She’ll be banked upon for the goods.
Zamera Ikiua
The all-rounder debuted for the team in the season opener and emerged as a standout in both opening-day fixtures. Opening the batting, Zamera remained unbeaten on 43 against Samoa and followed up with a 41* and 2/1 against Fiji. She has had an impressive start to her career, and it’ll be watched if she makes the most of this form.
Esther Williams
The bowler debuted for the side in the opening fixture against Samoa, registering figures of 1/27 and also adding 6 runs to the tally. In the following game, Esther returned figures of 2/11, and it’ll be hoped that she carries forward this momentum into the remainder of the season, stepping up with the ball.
Pitch:
The 22 yards at Lloyd Elsmore Park 2 provide a somewhat neutral playing field as the conditions are advantageous to both batters and bowlers. Pacers in particular benefit from the conditions, and a score in the 130s can be deemed as a competitive total on this wicket.
Weather:
It will be a pleasant day to be at Lloyd Elsmore Park for the cricket as conditions promise minimal rain. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 26°C, with light winds and a humidity level of 87%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Brenda Tau, Sonnia Vaia, Naoani Vare, Tanya Ruma, Esther Williams, Sibona Jimmy, Kaia Arua, Zamera Ikiua, Vicky Araa, Henao Thomas, Sofia Samuels
Match details:
Date – January 18, 2024
Time – 7:30 AM IST
Venue – Lloyd Elsmore Park 2, Auckland
Broadcast – Access live scores for the game on nzc.nz and the PlayHQ match center web portal.
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