Northern Brave and Auckland Hearts will go head-to-head in the season opener of the 2024-25 Women’s Super Smash, New Zealand’s premier T20 competition, at Seddon Park, Hamilton. The game is scheduled for the 26th of December 2024, at 6:40 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Northern Brave Women
Carol Agafili, Marama Downes, Caitlin Gurrey, Yaz Kareem, Shriya Naidu, Jesse Prasad, Holly Topp, Tash Wakelin, Nensi Patel, Jess Watkin (C), Amanda-Jade Wellington, Eve Wolland
Auckland Hearts Women
Bella Armstrong, Prue Catton, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green (C), Brooke Halliday, Amie Hucker, Bree Illing, Fran Jonas, Josie Penfold, Molly Penfold, Saachi Shahri
Players to watch out:
Caitlin Gurrey
The 29-year-old top-order batter in the Super Smash last season accumulated 230 runs at an average of 25.55 and a strike rate of 106.48 from 11 outings. Gurrey has had a notable start to this domestic season, accumulating 200 runs from 6 One-Day outings. She registered consecutive scores of 70, 44, and 43 in her recent outings and can be relied upon to lead the scoring.
Marama Downes
The 22-year-old pacer, with an economy rate of 5.58 and an average of 12.68, scalped 16 wickets from 11 Super Smash outings last summer, producing the best of 5/12. Marama has continued the momentum this summer, scalping 8 wickets from 6 outings, while also contributing a few runs. She is a promising talent and should be backed to carry this momentum into the T20 games.
Maddy Green
The 32-year-old middle-order batter in the 2023-24 Super Smash, from 7 outings, amassed 283 runs at an average of 47.16, a strike rate of 111.41, and registered the highest of 77*. Maddy is enjoying a purple patch, amassing 325 runs from 6 One-Dayers in the ongoing season, and followed up with scores of 26* and 39* in internationals against Australia. She can be counted on for the runs.
Bree Illing
The 21-year-old left-arm pacer, from 8 Super Smash outings last season, bagged 6 wickets, including the best of 2/23, maintaining an economy rate of 6.30. Bree has further impressed this season, bagging 13 wickets and maintaining an economy rate of 4.00 from 6 One-Dayers. She is an exciting talent and can be trusted to build on this rewarding start she has had.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at Seddon Park is relatively balanced, with an average score in the 140s. While conditions are conducive to batting, the wicket also offers assistance to pacers, as reflected in the average score at the venue.
Weather:
The conditions clear in time for a complete game, with scattered thundershowers on the radar early in the day. The temperature is forecast to hover around 18°C, with moderate winds and humidity at 79%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Maddy Green, Lauren Down, Caitlin Gurrey, Bella Armstrong, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Jess Watkin, Brooke Halliday, Nensi Patel, Fran Jonas, Bree Illing, Molly Penfold
Match details:
Date – December 26, 2024
Time – 6:40 AM IST
Venue – Seddon Park, Hamilton
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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