23 Jan 2024The Northern Brave’s third successive win, inspired by another special knock of 46 from overseas Chamari Athapaththu against the Otago Sparks today, will see finals cricket return to Seddon Park with an Elimination Final against the Central Hinds on Friday 26th January.
The winner will progress to the Grand Final at Eden Park in Auckland against the Wellington Blaze on Sunday 28th January.
The Brave’s stunning run to their first ever Elimination Final has come through three strong all-round team performances, starting with a nerve-wracking one-run win against the Canterbury Magicians at Seddon Park on 18 January.
A successful trip to Eden Park followed with Marama Downes taking record-breaking figures of 5/12, before the side dominated a rain-reduced match in Dunedin this afternoon.
Friday’s elimination match times are still being confirmed, but the opponents are set: Northern Brave v Central Hinds and Canterbury Kings v Wellington Firebirds.
The Brave have been further boosted by news that Sri Lankan overseas Chamari Athapaththu is available for both the Eliminator and the Final.
Athapaththu has so far made 210 runs and taken 9 wickets throughout the tournament, continuing her form from the WBBL where she won the Player of the Tournament.
“It has been great to have the best player in the world [Chamari Athapaththu] at the top of the order for us,” said Brave coach Pete Borren.
“She has added a level of professionalism to our training sessions and is very competitive on the field, setting a fantastic example for the rest of the team to follow.
We’re hoping she has a couple more big performances left in her.”
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