While Auckland Hearts’ 2024-25 Women’s T20 Super Smash opener was washed out and they lost their following game, the Canterbury Magicians had a winning start to their campaign. The two teams will lock horns at Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland, on the 3rd of January 2025, at 5:10 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
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
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:
Saachi Shahri
The 27-year-old opening batter in the 2023-24 Super Smash accumulated 126 runs from 8 outings and registered the highest score of 37. Saachi had a notable start to this domestic season, registering two substantial scores of 76 and 62 from her four One Day outings. Though she departed cheaply for 10 in her most recent T20 outing, it is hoped she steps up her efforts, leading the scoring.
Fran Jonas
The 20-year-old left-arm off-spinner, from 7 Smash outings last season, scalped 9 wickets at an average of 17.77, with an economy rate of 5.92, and registered the best of 3/23. Though Fran had a quiet start to this domestic season, scalping 4 wickets from as many One Dayers, and capitalizing on the momentum, she has scalped 4 wickets from two T20s and can be counted on for breakthroughs.
Izzy Sharp
The 20-year-old keeper-batter in the 2023-24 Smash, from 9 outings, added 99 runs at a strike rate of 107.60 and registered the highest score of 45. Izzy didn’t find much success early in this domestic season; however, she quickly rebounded with consecutive scores of 39, 41, and 22. Though she departed for a duck in this Smash opener, she should be backed to find her way back among the runs.
Missy Banks
The 23-year-old pacer last summer picked up 4 wickets at an economy rate of 6.93 from 5 Smash outings. Missy had a decent start to this domestic season, picking up 4 wickets from 6 One Dayers. She had an even promising start to her T20 campaign, chipping in with an unbeaten 14 and returning bowling figures of 2/19. She will be relied upon for the goods, building on this rewarding form.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at the Eden Park Outer Oval provides a balanced playing surface, one that caters to both batters and bowlers. While it favors batters, the average score in the 130s indicates the assistance that bowlers, particularly pacers, can expect.
Weather:
A delayed start can be expected, with rain on the radar early in the day, clearing just in time for the game. The temperature is forecast to hover around 21°C, with moderate winds and 68% humidity.
Fantasy playing XI:
Maddy Green, Izzy Gaze, Lauren Down, Bella Armstrong, Izzy Sharp, Brooke Halliday, Kate Anderson, Fran Jonas, Shikha Pandey, Missy Banks, Bree Illing
Match details:
Date – January 03, 2025
Time – 5:10 AM IST
Venue – Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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