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The 2024-25 Women’s Super Smash rolls into Napier as the Auckland Hearts face off against Central Hinds in the 15th match of the season at McLean Park. Both teams have endured a challenging campaign, with Auckland sitting fifth on the table with 6 points from 5 games, while the Hinds remain winless, languishing at the bottom. With both sides desperate for a turnaround, this match promises to be a hard-fought battle.
Match Details
| Match | Auckland Hearts vs Central Hinds, Women’s Super Smash 2024-25 |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, January 15, 2025 |
| Time | 10:00 AM (Local Time) |
| Venue | McLean Park, Napier |
| Weather | Partly cloudy, 10-15°C, no rain interruptions |
Team Preview
Auckland Hearts
The Auckland Hearts have had a tough season with just one win from five matches. While their batting has shown glimpses of promise, consistency remains an issue. Lauren Down has been a standout performer, scoring 126 runs at a strike rate of 106.77 and anchoring the innings. Brooke Halliday has also been in good touch, with 112 runs at a strike rate of 119.
However, skipper Maddy Green will need to step up and lead from the front. On the bowling side, Fran Jonas has been exceptional, claiming 7 wickets in 5 matches at an economy of 6.27. Amie Hucker and Bree Illing provide additional options but need to improve their consistency. The Hearts will be looking to put together a complete performance to climb the table.
Central Hinds
The Central Hinds are yet to register a win this season, losing all five of their matches. Batting has been their biggest weakness, with only Hollie Armitage delivering consistently. Armitage has scored 165 runs at an average of 41.25, but she needs support from players like Kerry-Anne Tomlinson and Hannah Rowe.
The bowling unit has been more reliable, with Rosemary Mair leading the way with 7 wickets in 5 matches at a solid economy. Ocean Bartlett and Hannah Rowe have also chipped in with wickets but need to maintain their discipline. The Hinds must improve their batting and seize key moments if they want to challenge Auckland.
Team Squads
Auckland Hearts:
Saachi Shahri, Isabella Gaze (wk), Maddy Green (c), Brooke Halliday, Lauren Down, Bella Armstrong, Prue Catton, Molly Penfold, Amie Hucker, Fran Jonas, Bree Illing
Central Hinds:
Hollie Armitage, Kerry-Anne Tomlinson, Thamsyn Newton, Hannah Rowe, Mikaela Greig (c), Flora Devonshire, Georgia Atkinson, Rosemary Mair, Kate Gaging (wk), Claudia Green, Ocean Bartlett
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Team | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Lauren Down (C) | Auckland Hearts | Batter |
| Hollie Armitage | Central Hinds | Batter |
| Brooke Halliday (VC) | Auckland Hearts | All-rounder |
| Maddy Green | Auckland Hearts | Batter |
| Hannah Rowe | Central Hinds | All-rounder |
| Rosemary Mair | Central Hinds | Bowler |
| Fran Jonas | Auckland Hearts | Bowler |
| Ocean Bartlett | Central Hinds | Bowler |
| Isabella Gaze | Auckland Hearts | Wicketkeeper |
| Amie Hucker | Auckland Hearts | Bowler |
| Claudia Green | Central Hinds | Bowler |
Pitch Report
McLean Park offers assistance to seamers early on, with a firm surface and consistent bounce. Batters who time the ball well can capitalize later in the innings. Spinners might come into play as the pitch wears, but it’s unlikely to be a high-scoring game. A score between 125-135 should be competitive.
Toss Prediction: Bowl first
The chasing side has historically had an advantage at this venue, and captains are likely to opt to field first.
Winning Prediction
Both teams are struggling for form, but Auckland Hearts appear better equipped to claim a win. Their batting lineup has shown more resilience, and their bowling attack led by Fran Jonas has been impressive. The Central Hinds will need an extraordinary effort to secure their first victory.
Prediction: Auckland Hearts to win.
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