FANTASY
Follow UsAfter three riveting league matches, Supernovas and Velocity are all set to lock horns in the summit clash of the Women's T20 Challenge in an evening encounter at the MCA Stadium in Pune.
In the league match played between the two sides, Shafali Verma and Laura Wolvaardt smashed half-centuries to power Velocity to a seven-wicket win and start the competition with a win.
Despite a 16-run loss against the Trailblazers, Velocity qualified for the final due to a superior Net Run Rate and will aim to win their maiden IPL title under the leadership of Deepti Sharma.
On the other hand, Supernovas will be keen to continue their consistent performances in the competition and finish the T20 Challenge with the coveted trophy.
With the stakes rocking sky-high, it promises to be a Saturday night blockbuster with two exciting teams stepping onto the field.
SUGGESTED TEAM
While you could go for the above team, you also have the option of choosing your team from Cricket.com’s Fantasy Research Centre. You can use this tool to build your team with the help of algorithms. Then, based on your preferences, the platform will guide you through creating the ideal fantasy XI.
GROUND DETAILS
In the six innings played thus far at this venue, the average first innings total is around the 168-run mark, and the average winning total is 177 runs. The three league matches have been a high-scoring affair, and the final is also expected to produce lots of runs.
Out of the 23 wickets taken, the pacers have picked 10, which is 43.5 percent of the scalps compared to 13 wickets by the spinners. On average, the fast bowlers have picked 2.5 wickets per innings compared to 3.2 by the spinners.
SUGGESTED CAPTAIN
Shafali Verma
One of the most powerful strikers in women's cricket, Shafali Verma, has been in sublime form in the Women's T20 Challenge. The right-handed batter is third on the list of leading run-scorers in the competition, with 80 runs in two matches at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 166.7.
Velocity will rely heavily on her to help the team get off to a flying start in the powerplay and help them post a mammoth first innings total or chase down the target.
Our Criclytics player projector predicts Shafali to score 30-44 runs in this match.
X-FACTORS
Pooja Vastrakar
The leading wicket-taker in this competition, Pooja Vastrakar, will be the key player for Supernovas in the middle overs. The right-arm pacer scalped four wickets in the opening encounter against the Trailblazers and will look to wreak havoc in the batting unit of Velocity to help the team clinch their third title in four seasons.
Our Criclytics player projector predicts Vastrakar to pick 2-3 wickets in this match.
Kiran Navgire
The star for Velocity in their game against the Trailblazers, Kiran Navgire, smashed the fastest half-century off 25 deliveries in the history of the Women's T20 Challenge. The 27-year old scored 69 off 34 deliveries studded with five boundaries and five massive sixes to help her side inch closer to the target. Her brutal power-hitting ability will make her one of the players to watch out for in the final.
Our Criclytics player projector predicts Navgire to score 29-43 runs in this match.
Sophie Ecclestone
The number one bowler in this format of the game, Sophie Ecclestone, will look to weave her magic in the middle overs to help Supernovas restrict the destructive batting unit of Velicity. With a wealth of experience at the international level, the left-arm spinner will look to use the conditions on offer and create inroads for her team in this high-voltage clash.
Our Criclytics player projector predicts Ecclestone to pick 1-2 wickets in this match.
