Match No. 2 of the 2024-25 Women’s Super Smash, New Zealand’s premier Twenty20 (T20) competition, will feature a face-off between the Otago Sparks and Canterbury Magicians. The game is scheduled for the 27th of December at Molyneux Park, Alexandra, starting at 5:10 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Otago Sparks
Suzie Bates, Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Anna Browning, Eden Carson, Olivia Gain, Kirstie Gordon, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Hayley Jensen (C), Molly Loe, Felicity Robertson
Canterbury Magicians
Kate Anderson, Sarah Asmussen, Missy Banks, Nat Cox, Jodie Dean, Kate Ebrahim, Abigale Gerken, Laura Hughes (C), Shikha Pandey, Maddie Penna, Izzy Sharp, Gabby Sullivan
Players to watch out:
Bella James
The 25-year-old keeper-batter, from 10 Smash outings last summer, posted 161 runs at a strike rate of 104.54 and registered the highest of 39. Bella kicked off this domestic season with 293 runs, including a highest score of 101, from 6 One-Dayers. She was rewarded with a maiden national call-up and, against Australia, registered scores of 27 and 24. She can be counted on for the runs.
Eden Carson
The 23-year-old off-spinner, in the Super Smash last season, claimed 13 wickets at an economy rate of 6.00 from 10 outings. Eden has had an outstanding start to this domestic season, claiming 15 wickets, averaging 12.23, and maintaining an economy rate of 2.89 from 6 One-Dayers. She is a highly promising talent and can be relied upon to replicate this success in the T20s, producing breakthroughs.
Kate Anderson
The 28-year-old all-rounder, from 9 Smash outings last edition, added 182 runs at an average of 20.22 and a strike rate of 105.20. Kate has had a quiet start to this domestic season, departing for scores of 0, 1, 2, and 20, and taking just one wicket in her three bowling innings. The seasoned campaigner should be backed to find her footing and step up her bowling efforts, delivering the goods.
Shikha Pandey
The 35-year-old Indian pacer, from 56 T20 Internationals, has scalped 43 wickets at an economy rate of 6.49 and also chipped in, scoring 208 runs from 28 innings. Shikha has been a constant presence in franchise leagues lately and, most recently, in Australia’s Big Bash, scalped 12 wickets from as many outings at an economy rate of 6.90. The seasoned pacer can be trusted for wickets.
Pitch:
The wicket at Molyneux Park provides a certain degree of assistance to the batters. Although it is a batting-friendly surface, the average score at the venue remains in the 140s, indicating assistance for bowlers, particularly the pacers, to exploit.
Weather:
The conditions at Molyneux Park are expected to be pleasant for cricket, with no anticipated rain interruptions and clear, bright skies. The temperature will be around 21°C, with light winds and humidity at 56%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Polly Inglis, Bella James, Caitlin Blakely, Izzy Sharp, Jodie Dean, Emma Black, Hayley Jensen, Suzie Bates, Anna Browning, Eden Carson, Sarah Asmussen
Match details:
Date – December 27, 2024
Time – 5:10 AM IST
Venue – Molyneuz Park, Alexandra
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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