On January 23, 2025, the Auckland Hearts will play the Otago Sparks in the 23rd game of the Women’s Super Smash 2024–25 season at Eden Park Outer Oval in Auckland.

With two victories and four defeats, Auckland Hearts are presently ranked fifth in the standings. In the ongoing Women’s Super Smash, Fran Jonas leads the Auckland Hearts wickets tally with eight, while Lauren Down leads the runs chart with 186.
With six victories and two losses under their belt, Otago Sparks are presently ranked first in the points standings. This Smash season, for the Sparks, Eden Carson leads the wickets tally with 17 while Caitlin Blakely leads the team in runs scored with 172.
Squads:
Auckland Hearts
Bella Armstrong, Brooke Halliday, Cate Pedersen, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Prue Catton, Saachi Shahri, Anika Todd, Josie Penfold, Kate Irwin, Elizabeth Buchanan (WK), Izzy Gaze (WK), Amie Hucker, Bree Illing, Fran Jonas, Molly Penfold, Olivia Anderson, Rishika Jaswal, Sophie Court
Otago Sparks
Caitlin Blakely, Olivia Gain, Saffron Wilson, Anna Browning, Harriett Cuttance, Isy Parry, Paige Loggenberg, Suzie Bates, Bella James (WK), Polly Inglis (WK), Chloe Deerness, Eden Carson, Emma Black, Hayley Jensen, Kirstie Gordon, Louisa Kotkamp, Molly Loe, Poppy-Jay Watkins
Players to watch out:
Lauren Down
This season, Auckland Hearts has benefited greatly from consistent starts from 29-year-old right-handed batter Lauren Down, who is known for her technical skill and ability to anchor the innings. In the current Women’s Super Smash, she has amassed 186 runs in 7 games at an average of 35.20, with a high score of 65. Her cool head and capacity to withstand pressure make her a reliable opener who can provide the middle order with a solid foundation.
Maddy Green
The 32-year-old right-handed middle-order hitter Maddy Green is well-known for her versatility and aggressive play. She can change tactics based on the needs of the game and is particularly good at counter attacking. She has played this season with a strike rate of 115 and an average of 31.00, with her highest score being 78. She is an essential player for Auckland Hearts because of her ability to lead the innings and finish strongly, particularly when establishing or chasing challenging totals. Her excellent fielding also adds value, frequently saving important runs in close games.
Kirstie Gordon
For Otago Sparks, 27-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner Kristie Gordon has been a reliable wicket-taker. She can create pressure and strangle batters in the middle overs with her precise lines and pace changes. Her best returns this season are 3/18. She has taken 10 wickets in 8 games at a remarkable economy rate of 5.20. She is an invaluable weapon while defending targets or containing the opposition because of her ability to take advantage of slow and turning surfaces and her talent for grabbing crucial wickets.
Emma Black
Emma Black, a right-arm medium-fast bowler, is a vital member of the Otago Sparks bowling squad at the age of 23. She is renowned for her precise line and length and is useful in death overs as well as with the new ball. She has claimed nine wickets at an economy rate of 5.80 in eight games this season; her best numbers are 4/22. She is a vital component of the Sparks’ plan since she can perform well under pressure and in high-stakes scenarios.
Pitch:
The conditions at Eden Park Outer Oval are renowned for being well-balanced, helping bowlers and hitters alike. Usually, the pitch has good bounce and pace, which lets batters play freely with their shots. But this is also a place where bowlers who can keep their lines and lengths in check have succeeded.
Weather:
The match at Eden Park Outer Oval is anticipated to have pleasant, cricket-friendly weather. Clouds and sunshine will coexist throughout the day, with high temperatures of 25°C (76°F) and lows of 17°C (62°F). In the afternoon, breezy weather is predicted, which may help bowlers who take advantage of swing. Overall, there should be no disruptions, according to the weather forecast.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Suzie Bates, Lauren Down, Kate Ebrahim, Kirstie Gordon, Bella James, Holly Huddleston, Polly Inglis, Maddy Green, Emma Black, Fran Jonas, Sophie Oldershaw
Match Details:
Date: January 23, 2025
Time: 05:10 AM
Venue: Eden Park Outer Oval
Broadcast: The game will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website.

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