New Zealand’s premier women’s one day competition returns this weekend with the Canterbury Magicians hosting the Otago Sparks at Mainpower Oval in Rangiora.

The Magicians will be without star all-rounder Frankie Mackay on Sunday due to her commentary commitments with Sky Sport. Her absence will be heart-felt within the squad with Mackay coming off back-to-back one day hundreds, and centuries against every opponent thus far in the competition.

Without Mackay being there to the lead the team, an exciting opportunity presents itself for a new member of the Magicians to take on the captaincy duties (this will be announced at a special presentation on Sunday morning before the match).

The team features two potential debutants of Georgia Edge and Kristy Havill. Edge made an impressive T20 Magicians debut in the Dream 11 Super Smash this season whilst Kristy has been a regular member of the training squad and gets rewarded for her hard work over the past months.

Canterbury Magicians Coach Ben Rapson said he was excited about the prospect of two new faces within the playing XI.

“It’s great to see two players coming through our development programme with the potential of making their one-day debuts this weekend.

“Kristy offers us an attacking option with her leg-spin bowling whilst Georgia could come into the team as a replacement for Lea Tahuhu who is currently away with the WHITE FERNS”. ­

Canterbury are currently fourth on the leader board, 8 points above the winless Sparks.

Round 7 & 8 | Canterbury Magicians v Otago Sparks| Mainpower Oval, Rangiora | Saturday 1st Feb & Sunday 2nd Feb

Magicians Squad

Frankie Mackay (c) (Sat only)
Sarah Asmussen
Missy Banks
Ella Chandler
Nat Cox
Georgia Edge
Kristy Havill
Laura Hughes (wk)
Allie Mace-Cochrane
Kirsty Nation
Jacinta Savage
Jess Simmons
Gabby Sullivan

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