In match no. 4 of the 2024-25 Women’s Super Smash, Central Hinds will open their campaign against Otago Sparks, who have won and lost one game each this season. The game will be played at Molyneux Park, Alexandra, on the 31st of December 2024, 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
Central Hinds
Mikaela Greig, Georgia Atkinson, Hollie Armitage, Ocean Bartlett, Flora Devonshire, Kate Gaging, Claudia Green, Emma Mcleod, Rosemary Mair, Thamsyn Newton, Hannah Rowe, Kerry Tomlinson
Players to watch out:
Polly Inglis
The 28-year-old keeper-batter had a quiet T20 stint last domestic season, adding only 81 runs from 9 Smash innings. Polly is a highly promising batter and has managed a few runs this domestic season—17, 42*, and 24 in the One Dayers—and followed up with twin scores of 29 in consecutive T20 outings. It is hoped she continues in this form, building on the start she has had.
Kristie Gordon
The 27-year-old English left-arm off-spinner, from 30 outings in The Hundred, has scalped as many wickets, at an economy rate of 7.50, and registered the best of 3/14. Kirstie has been a standout performer in domestic cricket over the years and can be trusted for breakthroughs and handy runs. She has had an impressive start to this stint, producing figures of 2/25 and 2/14.
Hollie Armitage
The 27-year-old English keeper-batter in the Super Smash last season amassed 318 runs, at an average of 31.80 and a strike rate of 120.91, from 10 outings. Hollie carried this form into the home T20 season, amassing 323 runs, at an average of 35.88 and a strike rate of 115.77, from 10 outings. Though she has struggled for runs of late, she should be backed to find her footing during the upcoming Smash games.
Rosemary Mair
The 28-year-old all-rounder in the 2023-24 Smash season struck 14 scalps from 10 outings, maintaining an economy rate of 5.86, while also contributing 65 runs from 5 innings. Mair has continued in this purple patch, most recently taking 10 wickets from 3 One Dayers this domestic season. Given her rewarding form and experience, she can be counted on for all-round efforts.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at Molyneux Park is relatively balanced, with an average score in the 130s. While conditions are conducive for batting, the wicket also offers assistance to both pacers and spinners, as reflected in the healthy average score.
Weather:
The overhead is expected to be partly cloudy, and the chances of rain remain minimal in Alexandra. The forecast calls for light winds, humidity at 62%, and a temperature of around 19°C.
Fantasy playing XI:
Polly Inglis, Thamsyn Newton, Hollie Armitage, Georgia Atkinson, Suzie Bates, Hayley Jensen, Emma Black, Hannah Rowe, Rosemary Mair, Kirstie Gordon, Eden Carson
Match details:
Date – December 31, 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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