While the Otago Sparks had a losing start to their season opener of the 2024-25 Women’s Super Smash, the Auckland Hearts’ season opener was a washout due to rain. The two teams will go up against each other in match no. 3 on the 29th of December 2024, at 5:10 AM Indian Standard Time (IST), at Molyneux Park, Alexandra.
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
Auckland Hearts
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:
Suzie Bates
The 37-year-old all-rounder in the Smash last season amassed 398 runs, at an average of 56.85 and a strike rate of 115.69, from 10 outings, while also taking 3 wickets. Suzie has been in notable form of late, finding her footing with scores of 51*, 107, 4, 53, and 50 in her previous 5 outings, including this season’s opener. The seasoned campaigner can be relied upon for runs and a few wickets.
Emma Black
The 23-year-old pacer in the 2023-24 Smash season secured 13 wickets from 10 outings, at an average of 16.61, a strike rate of 6.00, and recorded a best of 4/17. Emma has had a decent start to the 2024-25 domestic season, securing 7 wickets from 6 One Dayers, and returned economical figures of 2/28 (4) in the 2023-24 Smash opener. She has been a standout and can be trusted for wickets.
Brooke Halliday
The 29-year-old all-rounder featured in only 3 games last edition, accumulating 48 runs from those 3 outings. Brooke has been in notable form of late, scoring 86 against India in an ODI, and registering consecutive scores of 47, 41, and 21 in a recent T20 campaign. Though she has had a quiet start to this domestic season, it is hoped she rediscovers her form and delivers the goods for the side.
Molly Penfold
The 23-year-old pacer, who bagged 5 scalps from 7 Smash outings last summer, had a quiet campaign. However, in the 2024-25 season, Molly took 11 wickets from 5 One Dayers and produced a four-fer in a recent international game. Her returns from the season opener read 1/12 (2), and given her recent form and momentum, she can be counted on for breakthroughs, leading the tally.
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 support for bowlers, particularly pacers, to exploit.
Weather:
Expect rain interruptions and delays, with showers on the radar, even during match hours. The temperature is forecast to hover around 18°C, with moderate winds and humidity at 66%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Maddy Green, Polly Inglis, Lauren Down, Bella James, Suzie Bates, Hayley Jensen, Brooke Halliday, Emma Black, Kirstie Gordon, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas
Match details:
Date – December 29, 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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