Women's Super Smash 2019-20, Preliminary Final: Auckland Hearts vs Otago Sparks: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The Preliminary Final of the Women’s Super Smash 2019-20 will be played between Auckland Hearts and Otago Sparks at the Eden Park Outer Oval in Auckland.

The match starts at 4:10 PM local time (3:10 AM GMT) (8:40 AM IST).

This game can be viewed on Star Sports Select 1 SD/HD in India. Live streaming available on Hotstar.

Preview:

Auckland Hearts and Otago Sparks will be facing off in the Preliminary Final of Women’s Super Smash 2019-20 on Thursday. The two teams finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in the league stage having won six matches apiece. Hearts and Sparks clashed twice in the first round of the tournament where the Auckland team came on the top both times. The Auckland team got a chance to host this match as they finished ahead of Otago in the points table. However, the Hearts have won only two of their last six matches and will be hoping to get back into winning ways at the right time.

Weather Condition/Report:

No rain is forecasted for this preliminary final between Hearts and Spirit though there will be clouds around the venue during the match timings.

Pitch Condition/Report:

Eden Park Outer Oval has been on the slower side throughout the tournament as scores below 140 have been recorded in all four matches. In the last two matches, the team batting first finished exactly on 138 and won by 14 and 13 runs respectively. Hence, we can expect totals around 130 for the knockout match on Thursday.

Average first innings score: 123 (Women’s T20s since 2018)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 3, Lost – 3

Injury and Availability:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Probable Playing XIs:

Auckland Hearts:

Lauren Down, Anna Peterson (C), Katie Perkins, Saachi Shahri, Holly Huddleston, Bella Armstrong, Natasha van Tilburg (WK), Arlene Kelly, Regina Lilii, Amie Hucker, Fran Jonas.

Bench – Roz McNeill.

Otago Sparks:

Suzie Bates, Millie Cowan, Katey Martin (C & WK), Hayley Jensen, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Hannah Darlington, Bella James, Sophie Gray, Eden Carson, Emma Black, Sophie Oldershaw.

Bench – Caitlin Bakely, Marina Lamplough.

Top Picks:

Amanda-Jade Wellington is consistent at her all-round efforts as she took 8 wickets and scored 126 runs in only 5 matches played. Katie Perkins’ consistency with the bat doesn’t seem to end as she smashed five fifties in the ten matches during the league phase. She aggregated 477 runs at an average of 95.4 thus far with 25+ runs in all ten matches. Anna Peterson bagged 14 wickets across 10 matches but it is her consistency with the bat is something bother the Hearts. She scored only 198 runs with the help of a fifty. Hannah Darlington has been a silent performer for the Sparks as she is their joint leading wicket-taker with 11 wickets.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Anna Peterson, Katie Perkins, Amanda-Jade Wellington

Vice-Captain – Arlene Kelly, Suzie Bates, Hannah Darlington

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Natasha van Tilburg

Batters – Katie Perkins, Bella James, Regina Lilii

All-Rounders – Arlene Kelly, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Anna Peterson (C), Suzie Bates (VC)

Bowlers – Hannah Darlington, Bella Armstrong, Emma Black

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Katey Martin

Batters – Lauren Down, Katie Perkins (VC), Bella James, Saachi Shahri

All-Rounders – Anna Peterson, Amanda-Jade Wellington (C), Amanda-Jade Wellington

Bowlers – Hannah Darlington, Bella Armstrong, Fran Jonas

Expert Advice:

One of the reasons for skipping Suzie Bates is the high prices of all key names and Bates not bowling much in this tournament. Hence, a batting failure for Bates meant she is unlikely to feature in the dream team. Holly Huddleston too earns not more than 60 points which is not enough for spending 9.5 credits though she is quite consistent at taking 1-2 wickets every match.

Probable Winners:

Auckland Hearts are expected to join Wellington Blaze in the final 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.