The 2024-25 Women’s T20 Super Smash is underway, and in match no. 5, Wellington Blaze will kick off their campaign against Northern Brave, whose season opener was washed out. The match is set to take place at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on the 1st of January 2025, at 5:10 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Northern Brave
Carol Agafili, Chamari Athapaththu, Marama Downes, Caitlin Gurrey, Yaz Kareem, Shriya Naidu, Holly Topp, Tash Wakelin, Nensi Patel, Jess Watkin (C), Amanda-Jade Wellington, Eve Wolland
Wellington Blaze
Melie Kerr, Rebecca Burns, Kate Chandler, Natasha Codyre, Hannah Francis, Xara Jetly, Leigh Kasperek, Caitlin King, Jess Kerr, Sam Mackinder, Jess Mcfadyen, Ellyse Perry
Players to watch out:
Chamari Athapaththu
The 34-year-old all-rounder in the Smash last season accumulated 221 runs, at an average of 24.55 and a strike rate of 128.48, from 9 outings, and also took 9 wickets at an economy rate of 7.50. Chamari didn’t find much success in a recent T20 competition, accumulating 191 runs, at an average of 15.91, from 12 outings, but impressed by taking 14 wickets. It is hoped she rediscovers her form and steps up with all-round efforts.
Nensi Patel
The 22-year-old pace-bowling all-rounder in the 2023-24 Smash games managed only 5 wickets from 11 outings, but she remained economical (6.00) throughout and added 118 runs from 9 innings. Nensi had a promising start to this season, scalping 6 wickets from as many One Dayers, and should be backed to carry this momentum into the T20s. She can be counted on for breakthroughs and handy runs down the order.
Ellyse Perry
The 34-year-old veteran Australian all-rounder, from 162 T20 Internationals (T20Is), has amassed over 2000 runs and taken over 120 wickets. Ellyse displayed outstanding form in a recent T20 competition, amassing 424 runs, at an average of 53.00 and a strike rate of 137.21, from 10 outings. She also notched up a century in a subsequent international series and can be relied upon to produce the goods for her side.
Jess Kerr
The 26-year-old pacer in the 2023-24 T20 Smash picked up 7 wickets from 10 outings, at an economy rate of 5.36, while also contributing 74 runs from 7 innings. Jess had an outstanding start to this domestic season, picking up 11 wickets from 6 outings, while also contributing with scores of 4, 36, 32, 3, 16, and 9. She is a seasoned campaigner and can be trusted to replicate this rewarding form in the T20 fixtures.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at Seddon Park poses a challenge for batters, offering substantial support to the bowlers, particularly the pacers. To post a match-winning total in the 140s, the batters will need to demonstrate adaptability to excel on this pitch.
Weather:
The temperature is forecast to be around 23°C, with humidity at 58% and moderate winds. The chances of rain are minimal, and clear skies promise a complete game of cricket.
Fantasy playing XI:
Jess Mcfadyen, Caitlin Gurrey, Ellyse Perry, Chamari Athapaththu, Melie Kerr, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Nensi Patel, Leigh Kasperek, Jess Kerr, Xara Jetly, Marama Downes
Match details:
Date – January 01, 2025
Time – 5:10 AM IST
Venue – Seddon Park, Hamilton
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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