Match no. 10 of the ongoing 2024-25 Women’s T20 Super Smash will feature a face-off between Wellington Blaze and Central Hinds, who have had contrasting results so far, with the Blaze winning both their games, while the Hinds have lost all three. The game will be played at Basin Reserve, Wellington, on the 9th of January 2025, starting 5:10 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Wellington Blaze
Melie Kerr, Nicole Baird, Rachel Bryant, Rebecca Burns, Natasha Codyre, Xara Jetly, Leigh Kasperek, Caitlin King, Jess Kerr, Sam Mackinder, Jess Mcfadyen, Gemma Sims
Central Hinds
Mikaela Greig, Georgia Atkinson, Hollie Armitage, Aniela Apperley, Ocean Bartlett, Flora Devonshire, Kate Gaging, Claudia Green, Rosemary Mair, Thamsyn Newton, Hannah Rowe, Kerry Tomlinson
Players to watch out:
Melie Kerr
The 24-year-old all-rounder in the Smash last summer piled on 437 runs, at an average of 72.83 and a strike rate of 125.93, while also scalping 20 wickets, averaging 8.95 and maintaining an economy rate of 4.47. Kerr has picked up from where she left off, registering scores of 67* and 7, alongside bowling returns of 4/18 and 1/21 this season. She can be counted on for the goods.
Xara Jetly
The 23-year-old off-spinner, from 10 Smash outings last season, bagged 9 wickets at an economy rate of 5.59 and recorded the best of 3/28. Xara has built on her reputation this domestic season, bagging 13 wickets from 6 One Day outings, while also chipping in with the bat. Though she finished wicketless in the two T20s, she has been economical and can be trusted for breakthroughs.
Thamsyn Newton
The 29-year-old batting all-rounder in the 2023/24 Smash season accumulated 158 runs from 9 outings and recorded the highest score of 34. Thamsyn has had a hard time with the bat this domestic season, recording four ducks in 9 outings so far, including two in the T20s, with only a notable score of 84 and two wickets. It is hoped the experienced campaigner rediscovers her footing.
Ocean Bartlett
The 21-year-old leg-spinner had an outstanding start to this domestic season, producing a 6-fer in her first outing and closed out the first-leg One Day fixtures with 13 wickets from 6 outings, at an economy rate of 4.43. Ocean carried this momentum into the T20 Smash, producing consecutive figures of 2/29, 2/23, and 1/19. Given her form, she will be relied upon to lead the tally.
Pitch:
Basin Reserve offers a well-balanced playing surface that is suited for both batters and bowlers, as evidenced by the average score in the 130s. While spinners enjoy the assistance of the pitch, batters are rewarded for their shots.
Weather:
Wellington promises pleasant conditions for cricket, with bright, clear skies overhead. The temperature will hover around 17°C, with moderate winds and a humidity level of 65%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Kate Gaging, Thamsyn Newton, Hollie Armitage, Mikaela Greig, Melie Kerr, Hannah Rowe, Leigh Kasperek, Rosemary Mair, Jess Kerr, Xara Jetly, Ocean Bartlett
Match details:
Date – January 9, 2025
Time – 5:10 AM IST
Venue – Basin Reserve, Wellington
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website.
