We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report
Only 11 of 27 wickets fell to the pacers. Spinners otherwise have done the bulk of the damage with the ball. That being said, the batters have ruled the roost in the My11Circle Women’s T20 Challenge.
Teams
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, Maya Sonawane/Simran Bahadur
Probable XI for Trailblazers: Smriti Mandhana (c), Hayley Matthews, Jemimah Rodrigues, Sophia Dunkley, Sharmin Akhter, Richa Ghosh (wk), Salma Khatun, Arundhati Reddy, Poonam Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh
Power Players
Shafali Verma was – for the lack of a better word – merciless. She dispatched everything that was fired in her arc, leaving the crease against spinners and mostly going downtown. The fact that the knock of 51 off 33 came in a challenging run chase made it even more substantial.
Smriti Mandhana was the only batter from Trailblazer to cross 30 runs. She, however, has to bat longer if they are to qualify for the final.
Hayley Matthews, as she does for the West Indies, was instrumental with both bat and ball. She took 3 for 29 with her off-spinners and then added 18 off 14 at the top.
Laura Wolvaardt continued the rampage that Shafali had started. She remained unbeaten on 51* off 35 including seven fours and a six. Her innings was a combination of stylish stroke play and smart cricket.
Smart Picks
Deepti Sharma provided 23 vital points with both bat and ball. She first dismissed the dangerous Deandra Dottin in the powerplay and then scored an unbeaten 24 in chase of 151.
Yastika Bhatia looked in good touch until she lasted. She has scored three fifties and three scores above 25 runs in her last 10 competitive innings.
It was Kate Cross’ two wickets in the powerplay that set the stage for Velocity. Her lateral movement outfoxed the in-form batters such as Priya Punia and Harleen Deol.
Jemimah Rodrigues continued the onslaught despite quick wickets at the other end. She saw as many as 7 wickets fall. Her 24 runs included four boundaries.
The experienced spin pair of Poonam Yadav and Rajeswari Gayakwad took a wicket each. Given the number of wickets the spinners have managed on this wicket, the duo is likely to be in the thick of things.
Match Preview
Velocity did a remarkable job in all three departments. They reduced Supernovas’ top order to 18 for 3 and then managed to chase 151 runs in 18.2 overs. On the other hand, Trailblazers could never find their feet. They failed to pick wickets at regular intervals and then lost wickets in a cluster.
Time: May 26, 7:30 PM IST