Match Details:

The 20th match of the Kia Super League 2019 will be played between Lancashire Thunder and Loughborough Lightning at the Old Trafford in Manchester.

The match starts at 6:30 PM local time (11:00 PM IST) (5:30 PM GMT).

Preview:

Lancashire Thunder wait for their maiden win of the tournament continues as they lost five of the six matches they played thus far. The only time they managed to avoid a defeat was during the Tied match against the Southern Vipers. One of the main reasons for this debacle has been their batting line-up. Except for Harmanpreet Kaur, the Thunder’s batting struggled for consistency.

They will be now up against Loughborough Lightning on Tuesday. The Georgia Elwiss-led team moved to No.3 in the points table after back to back wins. They chased down Surrey Stars’ total of 120 in 14.5 overs to earn a bonus point. They completed a 130-run chase against Yorkshire Diamonds in their previous match. Mignon du Preez scored 108 runs across these two matches without getting dismissed.

Weather Condition/Report:

The Manchester weather could spoil the game between the hosts and Loughborough that begins at 6:30 PM. About 30% chances of rain is predicted during the match timings. The drainage system at the Old Trafford is good enough to cut down the rain breaks.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The Kia Super League matches at the Old Trafford have often been high-scoring ones. However, the recent Men’s ODI and T20 Blast matches have been quite different. The spinners come handy at this venue as the game progresses.

Average first innings score – 155 (KSL matches)

Record of chasing team – Won: 1, Lost: 3

Injury and Availability News:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Probable Playing XIs:

Lancashire Thunder:

Tahlia McGrath, Sune Luus, Sophia Dunkley, Harmanpreet Kaur, Georgia Boyce, Emma Lamb, Ellie Threlkeld, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross (C), Alice Dyson, Alex Hartley.

Bench: Natalie Brown, Danielle Collins, Eve Jones, Ria Fackrell.

Loughborough Lightning:

Amy Jones (WK), Hayley Matthews, Chamari Atapattu, Mignon du Preez, Georgia Elwiss (C), Georgia Adams, Jenny Gunn, Kathryn Bryce, Sarah Glenn, Lucy Higham, Kirstie Gordon.

Bench: Alice Monaghan, Abbey Freeborn, Jo Gardner, Tara Norris.

Top Picks:

Tahlia McGrath got her first 30+ score of this season in the previous match where she scored 44. McGrath got off to a similar start in the WBBL 2018/19 before a couple of big knocks in succession. Emma Lamb picked up at least one wicket in all six matches in this season and also scored few runs.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews, Mignon du Preez,

Vice-Captain – Tahlia McGrath, Amy Jones, Emma Lamb

The experience of Mignon du Preez and Harmanpreet Kaur has benefited their respective teams. Du Preez is 5th on the list of leading run-getters having scored 180 while Harmanpreet is second with 210 runs.

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Amy Jones

Batters – Mignon du Preez (VC), Georgia Adams, Chamari Atapattu, Harmanpreet Kaur (C)

All-Rounders – Tahlia McGrath, Hayley Matthews, Emma Lamb

Bowlers – Sarah Glenn, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Amy Jones

Batters – Mignon du Preez, Georgia Adams, Harmanpreet Kaur

All-Rounders – Tahlia McGrath (VC), Hayley Matthews (C), Emma Lamb, Georgia Elwiss

Bowlers – Kirstie Gordon, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross

Expert Advice:

Sophie Ecclestone and Kate Cross are a must in the fantasy team following their recent performances. Ecclestone has 93.5 from her previous three matches while Cross earned 84.5 points.

Probable Winners:

Loughborough Lightning are expected to register their 3rd consecutive win.

*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.