Women's T20 World Cup winner Suzie Bates returns to Otago for the first time this season, as the unbeaten Sparks take on Northern Districts in Dunedin this weekend.
Bates returns from a stint with the Hobart Hurricanes in the Australian Women's Big Bash League and joins the Sparks as they sit top of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield standings.
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At the completitoin of four rounds, the Sparks have put together incredible performances against Canterbury and Wellington, collecting a bonus point in each match and seven points clear of the second place Auckland Hearts.
After sealing her second List A century against Wellington, Sparks opener Bella James tops the run scoring list with 246 runs, while Anna Browning, Eden Carson, Hayley Jensen and Louisa Kotkamp all feature in the top 10 wicket takers this season.
This weekend's opponents Northern Districts currently occupy third in the standings, picking up two wins from their four matches. Both matches at the University of Otago Oval starting at 10:30am.
Meanwhile Melie Kerr and Sophie Devine look likely to make their Blaze season debuts as the HBJ Shield One Day Competition enters its final rounds before Christmas.
Devine has been included in the squad for Sunday’s game, while Melie Kerr is available to the squad for both fixtures this weekend.
The Blaze are Auckland-bound today as the Auckland Hearts welcome them to Kennards Hire Oval at Eden Park for back-to-back fixtures this Saturday and Sunday.
The two White Ferns will get some reps in before the three ODI series against Australia comes to the Basin Reserve next week, starting with a free entry fixture Thursday 19th December.
HALLYBURTON JOHNSTONE SHIELD FIXTURES
Rounds 5-6, Saturday-Sunday, December 14-15
Otago Sparks vs Northern Districts
University of Otago Oval, Dunedin
Central Hinds vs Canterbury Magicians
Pukekura Park, New Plymouth
Auckland Hearts vs Wellington Blaze
Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland