State League Twenty20 opens women’s cricket season

The new State League Twenty20 competition ushers in the 2007/08 women’s cricket season in New Zealand.

After the success of the men’s State Twenty20 competition, the women’s game adopts the format in a series of Friday night games.

Each team plays five State League Twenty20 matches, with the team with the most points at the end of the competition handed the title.

“The 20-over matches will act as a taster for the State League programme and give existing White Ferns more Twenty20 experience, while undoubtedly helping more talented young players emerge,” said New Zealand Cricket women’s manager Catherine Campbell.

“However, the concept itself is exciting as a stand-alone tournament, and supplements the competitive and productive State League competition.

“In the State League, players will be seeking selection in the White Ferns team to play England in a five-match series in February and Australia in this year’s Rose Bowl Series in March,” she added.

The opening round of both tournaments sees defending State League champions State Canterbury Magicians travel to Blake Park, Mt Maunganui to play State Northern Spirit.

The State League retains last season’s format, with 10 matches played in pairs over the course of the season.

The top two sides in the table after 10 rounds will compete in the State League final on Saturday 9 February 2008, which will be hosted by the first-placed qualifier.