KIA Women’s Super League, 2019: Match 8, Southern Vipers vs Western Storm: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Western Storm will tour Southampton to face the hosts, Southern Vipers on Sunday afternoon. They are fresh of a 6-wicket win at their fortress Taunton against the Lancashire Thunder on Saturday evening. Chasing 142 to win, the Western Storm skipper Heather Knight scored an unbeaten half-century. Fran Wilson’s 35-ball 54 turned the game into the home team’s direction.

Earlier, the Western Storm defeated Loughborough Lightning on the first day of the tournament. Their opponent Southern Vipers also won both the games they played thus far. The Vipers thumped Lancashire Thunder on day one by 34 runs. Later, they got away with a 2-wicket win in a thriller against the Loughborough Lightning. The game on Sunday will be the first home match for the Vipers.

Match Details:

The 8th match of the Kia Super League 2019 will be played between Southern Vipers and Western Storm at The Rose Bowl, Southampton.

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

Weather Condition/Report:

Sunday is a dry day in Southampton when compared to other days in the next one week. The game might not be affected due to rain as the weather forecast suggested only around 15% of rain chance during the game.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The Rose Bowl has been a high-scoring venue when it comes to Kia Super League. During the last season, the teams batting first won by a narrow margin even after posting 150+ in two games. However, during the Men’s matches, the track at this venue has been quite slow and the same might get replicated in KSL.

Average first innings score: 142 (KSL games in 2018)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 1, Lost – 2

Probable Playing XIs:

Southern Vipers:

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

Bench: Carla Rudd, Issy Wong, Fi Morris, Marie Kelly.

Western Storm:

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

Bench: Ellie Mitchell, Dani Gibson, Sonia Odedra, Natasha Wraith.

Injury and Availability News:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Top Picks:

Fran Wilson didn’t get many chances with the bat in the previous season but proving her capability this time around. Smriti Mandhana hasn’t got all cylinders firing but if she gets going, no bowler will be able to stop on the merit of a delivery.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Danielle Wyatt, Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Smriti Mandhana

Vice-Captain – Suzie Bates, Fran Wilson, Stafanie Taylor

Danielle Wyatt has done well with the bat so far and is also bowling consistently. Heather Knight is always trustable with the bat and this season has proved the same.

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Tammy Beaumont

Batsmen – Smriti Mandhana, Fran Wilson, Danielle Wyatt (C), Heather Knight (VC)

All-Rounders – Stafanie Taylor, Deepti Sharma

Bowlers – Tash Farrant, Lauren Bell, Freya Davies, Claire Nicholas

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Tammy Beaumont (VC)

Batsmen – Smriti Mandhana (C), Danielle Wyatt, Suzie Bates, Fran Wilson, Heather Knight

All-Rounders – Deepti Sharma

Bowlers – Tash Farrant, Lauren Bell, Anya Shrubsole, Claire Nicholas

Expert Advice:

Given the performances in the respective first two matches, the top-order batters in both sides –Danielle Wyatt, Heather Knight, Tammy Beaumont, Fran Wilson, Smriti Mandhana and Suzie Bates become crucial.

Probable Winners:

Western Storm is expected to register their 3rd consecutive win of the tournament.

*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.