We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report
Spinners have taken 21 wickets, while pacers have sniped up 16 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. It, however, has been a sporting pitch, producing an even battle between the bowlers and batters.
Teams
Probable XI for Supernovas: Priya Punia, Deandra Dottin, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Sune Luus, Alana King, Pooja Vastrakar, Sophie Ecclestone, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Meghna Singh, V Chandu
Probable XI for Velocity: Shafali Verma, Natthakan Chantham, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Laura Wolvaardt, Deepti Sharma (c), Kiran Navgire, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, Kate Cross, Ayabonga Khaka, Simran Bahadur
Power Players
In the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy earlier this year, Kiran Navgire had scored 525 runs at a strike rate of 173, including 35 sixes and 54 fours. The knock of 69 off 34 against the Trailblazers was a result of her hard work in domestic cricket. She is a delight for the fantasy cricket players.
With 108 runs at a strike rate of 135, Harmanpreet Kaur is the highest run-scorer of the season. She has also provided vital fantasy points with two catches, one of which was a stunner at short third-man to dismiss the dangerous Shafali. If need be, Harmanpreet can also bowl a few overs of off-spin. She has a four-wicket to her name in T20Is.
Shafali Varma provided starts in both games, scoring 51 and 29. To add fuel to the fire, the runs came at a spectacular strike rate of 167. Expect the youngster to fire on all cylinders right from the word go.
Smart Picks
Pooja Vastrakar has taken the most wickets (5) in the season. She, however, has not got enough opportunities to display her batting skills. She has played many match-saving knocks for her teams in the lower-middle order. Her dual skills make her an asset in fantasy leagues.
Kate Cross’ all three wickets have come in the powerplay. Her away-swingers especially have put the batters on the back foot. She dismissed the in-form Priya Punia and Harleen Deol the last time these teams locked horns.
Laura Wolvaardt’s last three T20 scores read 51, 51*, and 17. The bounce in the wicket has suited her brand of cricket. The onus of maneuvering with the field in the middle overs rests on her.
Sophie Ecclestone was unfortunate to go wicketless against Velocity earlier this week. She deceived Deepti Sharma with a quick delivery that flew off the upper-half of the bat to square leg, where Venkateshappa Chandu dropped it. Ecclestone, the No. 1 bowler in ICC T20I Rankings, had taken a two-for in the opening game of the season. Expect her to be in the thick of things.
Seldom do we see Deepti Sharma being ineffective with either bat or ball. She had an off day against Velocity, scoring a mere 2 runs and going wicketless for 25 runs. A game before that, she had picked a wicket in the powerplay with her off-spin and scored an unbeaten 24 in a chase. Expect the veteran to play a key role in the final.
Deandra Dottin has provided 57 points with her all-round skills. She scored a brisk 32 in the first game and took 2 for 21 in the second.
Match Preview
Both teams have star-studded hitters at their disposal. It is their bowling that will decide their fate. The fact that Velocity chased down 151 runs against Supernovas earlier this week should give them confidence.
Time: May 28, 7:30 PM IST