KIA Women’s Super League, 2019: Match 29, Western Storm vs Yorkshire Diamonds: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The 29th match of the Kia Women’s Super League 2019 will be played between Western Storm and Yorkshire Diamonds at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton.

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

Preview:

Western Storm’s winning streak doesn’t look like stopping as they won all the nine matches. They earned a direct entry for the final to be hosted by the Hove. In the last league match, Western Storm will host Yorkshire Diamonds in Taunton. The County Ground in Taunton will host Western Storm for the last time. They have won all the eight KSL matches here and would hope to finish on high with another win.

On the other hand, Yorkshire Diamonds didn’t do much wrong this season but probably fell a batsman and a bowler short in crucial situations. Katherine Brunt fits both the roles but was rested for all games on ECB’s request. Her absence was felt as they could only win four matches out of the nine. In fact, three of those wins came in last four matches with Jemimah Rodrigues remaining unbeaten in chases.

Weather Condition/Report:

Showers are expected in the afternoon on Wednesday in Taunton. There are good chances of rain starting from the afternoon but could come down by the match time. This match will begin at 6:30 PM local time and the clouds are expected to get cleared by 7 PM. A delayed start is expected but not many overs could be reduced.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The results of KSL matches in Taunton usually depend on Western Storm performances. The home team has won all the 8 KSL games hosted by the venue. They have won many games from tough situations which makes it tough for the visitors in choosing to bat or ball if they win the toss. Usually, the venue is high-scoring one and a bit of spin could be seen in the last few overs of the game.

Average first innings score: 162 (Unaffected KSL matches since 2018)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 2, Lost – 2

Injury and Availability News:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Probable Playing XIs:

Western Storm:

Smriti Mandhana, Rachel Priest, Heather Knight (C), Fran Wilson, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Luff, Naomi Dattani, Anya Shrubsole, Sonia Odedra, Freya Davies, Claire Nicholas.

Bench: Ellie Mitchell, Alex Griffiths, Dani Gibson.

Yorkshire Diamonds:

Lauren Winfield (C), Alyssa Healy, Jemimah Rodrigues, Hollie Armitage, Bess Heath, Cordelia Griffith, Alice Davidson-Richards, Leigh Kasperek, Linsey Smith, Beth Langston, Katie Levick.

Bench: Katie George, Helen Fenby, Georgia Davis.

Top Picks:

Jemimah Rodrigues has scored 287 runs from her last five innings at an average of 143.5. She crossed 30 in all those five matches and also scored her maiden T20 hundred in the last game. She will now bat at No.3 instead of her starting position of No.4. Rachel Priest began the tournament with 28 runs in three innings. But in the next six innings, she scored 303 runs at an average of 76 with three fifties.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Jemimah Rodrigues, Heather Knight, Smriti Mandhana, Alyssa Healy

Vice-Captain – Rachel Priest, Alice Davidson-Richards, Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield

The form of Heather Knight and Jemimah Rodrigues makes them bankable for the multiplier roles.

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Rachel Priest (VC), Alyssa Healy

Batters – Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues (C), Hollie Armitage, Heather Knight

All-Rounders – Deepti Sharma

Bowlers – Freya Davies, Claire Nicholas, Alice Davidson-Richards, Katie Levick

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Alyssa Healy (VC)

Batters – Smriti Mandhana, Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Jemimah Rodrigues, Heather Knight (C)

All-Rounders – Deepti Sharma

Bowlers – Claire Nicholas, Alice Davidson-Richards, Linsey Smith, Freya Davies

Expert Advice:

Smriti Mandhana registered single digits in the last two matches. She was up against Surrey Stars whose bowlers have often troubled the Indian opener. One should not make a mistake of ignoring her since she costs 11 credits. In the last match against the Yorkshire Diamonds, Smriti got her first fifty of the season and could replicate it.

Probable Winners:

Western Storm is expected to finish the league stage unbeaten.

*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.