KIA Women’s Super League, 2019: Match 1, Lancashire Thunder vs Southern Vipers: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

The 2019 Kia Super League will kick start when Lancashire Thunder face off Southern Vipers at the Aigburth. Lancashire, led by Kate Cross, has the likes of Alex Hartley and Sophie Ecclestone in their bowling ranks. The inclusion of Sophia Dunkley will add depth to the Thunder. Harmanpreet Kaur and Tahlia McGrath have a crucial role to play in the top order that lacks big names from the England team.

On the other hand, Southern Vipers are the inaugural edition in 2016 and went down in the final during the 2017 edition. However, they finished at the bottom of the table in 2018 winning only two of their ten games. With a top three of Danielle Wyatt, Suzie Bates and skipper Tammy Beaumont, the Vipers will be hoping to bring back their class of the first two editions.

Match Details:

The 1st match of the Kia Super League 2019 will be played between Lancashire Thunder and Southern Vipers at the Aigburth in Liverpool.

The match starts at 2:30 PM local time (7:00 PM IST) (1:30 PM GMT).

Pitch Condition/Report:

The Aigburth ground in Liverpool has hosted two KSL games; both between the Lancashire Thunder and Southern Vipers. The hosts Lancashire went down in the 2017 season fixture where they were bowled out for only 87 runs. However, in 2018, their total of 137 turned out to be good enough. The Vipers fell five runs short of the target on a track that got slowed down during the second half in both innings.

Average first innings score: 112 (Women’s Twenty20s)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 1, Lost – 1

Probable Playing XIs:

Lancashire Thunder:

Eve Jones, Ellie Threlkeld, Tahlia McGrath, Sune Luus, Harmanpreet Kaur, Sophia Dunkley, Kate Cross (C), Alex Hartley, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Boyce, Emma Lamb.

Bench: Natalie Brown, Danielle Collins, Alice Dyson, Ria Fackrell.

Southern Vipers:

Danielle Wyatt, Suzie Bates, Tammy Beaumont (C), Thea Brookes, Stafanie Taylor, Maia Bouchier, Paige Scholfield, Amanda Wellington, Fi Morris, Tash Farrant, Lauren Bell.

Bench: Charlie Dean, Carla Rudd, Issy Wong, Marie Kelly.

Injury and Availability News:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Power Picks:

Sophie Ecclestone in Kia Super League in 2018:

15 wickets from 10 matches at an average of 15.4 and a strike rate of 14.4 with help of a 4-wicket haul.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Danielle Wyatt, Tahlia McGrath, Tammy Beaumont, Suzie Bates

Vice-Captain – Harmanpreet Kaur, Sophie Ecclestone, Tash Farrant, Sophia Dunkley

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Ellie Threlkeld, Tammy Beaumont

Batsmen – Eve Jones, Danielle Wyatt (C), Suzie Bates

All-Rounders – Tahlia McGrath (VC), Sophia Dunkley

Bowlers – Fi Morris, Tash Farrant, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Tammy Beaumont (C), Ellie Threlkeld

Batsmen – Harmanpreet Kaur, Thea Brookes, Suzie Bates

All-Rounders – Sophia Dunkley, Tahlia McGrath, Paige Scholfield

Bowlers – Tash Farrant, Sophie Ecclestone (VC), Amanda Wellington

Expert Advice:

With the presence of Danielle Wyatt, Tammy Beaumont and Suzie Bates in the top three, it is unlikely that Stafanie Taylor gets a chance to score big runs. With the ball, Taylor might not be the wicket-taker that justifies her price of 10.5 credits. Harmanpreet Kaur is on the same line but might be promoted up the order depending on the situation.

Probable Winners:

Southern Vipers will have an edge over Lancashire Thunder due to their batting in a tightly fought contest.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.