In the ongoing 2024-25 Women’s T20 Super Smash, while Central Hinds lost their tournament opener, Wellington Blaze won their opening fixture. The two teams will come together in match no. 7 at Saxton Oval, Nelson, on the 4th of January 2024, at 5:10 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
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
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:
Hannah Rowe
The 28-year-old all-rounder, from 10 Super Smash outings last summer, posted 184 runs at an average of 101.09 and struck 9 wickets at an economy rate of 6.75, with bests of 43 and 2/29. Hannah has had a strong start to the 2024-25 season, striking 6 wickets from as many One Dayers, while also registering scores of 8, 46, 32, 21, and 41*. Her returns from this Smash opener read 3/13 and 10, and she can be counted on for the goods.
Claudia Green
The 27-year-old pacer, from 10 Smash outings last season, picked up as many wickets at an average of 20.40, an economy rate of 6.18, and recorded the best of 4/24. Claudia has had a notable start to the 2024-25 domestic season, taking 5 wickets from 4 One Dayers, and in this T20 season opener, recorded bowling figures of 1/18. The seasoned campaigner should be backed to build on this form, leading the wickets tally.
Rebecca Burns
The 30-year-old batter, in the previous edition, addee 161 runs from 10 outings, at a strike rate of 103.20, and registered the highest score of 45. Rebecca has had a quiet start to this domestic season, managing only a couple of notable scores of 44 and 30 from 6 One Dayers. She departed for 8 in the 2024-25 Smash opener and should be backed to find her footing, notching up big scores.
Leigh Kasperek
The 32-year-old off-spinner, in the Smash last season, averaged 12.35 and maintained an economy rate of 5.38, bagging 17 wickets from 10 outings, including the best of 3/16. Leigh had a promising start to this domestic season, bagging 7 wickets from 6 One Dayers, while also registering top scores of 36, 33, and 36. She bagged a couple of wickets in this Smash opener and can be relied upon for all-round efforts.
Pitch:
The Saxton Oval dishes out a fairly balanced center wicket that offers runs for batters and assistance for bowlers as well. The average score at the venue is in the 130s, and the pacers have the upper hand on the track.
Weather:
With moderate winds, a humidity level of 57%, and the temperature expected to hover around 21°C, the conditions promise a complete game of cricket. The chances of rain are minimal, with partly cloudy skies overhead.
Fantasy playing XI:
Jess Mcfadyen, Thamsyn Newton, Hollie Armitage, Ellyse Perry, Melie Kerr, Flora Devonshire, Hannah Rowe, Leigh Kasperek, Rosemary Mair, Jess Kerr, Claudia Green
Match details:
Date – January 04, 2025
Time – 5:10 AM IST
Venue – Saxton Oval, Nelson
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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