As the Women’s Super Smash 2025-26 heads to the scenic Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui for Match 10, the standings tell a tale of two very different starts. The Otago Sparks have been the team to beat so far, sitting comfortably in second place with a perfect record of two wins from two games. Their dominant Net Run Rate (NRR) of 2.492 reflects their clinical performances, keeping them within striking distance of the table-topping Wellington Blaze. On the other hand, Northern Brave find themselves in a bit of a hole in fifth position, having picked up just two points from their opening pair of matches.
Squads:
Northern Brave Women’s Cricket Team
Tash Wakelin, Jess Watkin, Jo Gardner, Caitlin Gurrey, Nensi Patel, Marina Lamplough, Kayley Knight, Eve Wolland, Holly Topp, Lucy Boucher, Carol Agafili, Marama Downes
Otago Sparks Women’s Cricket Team
Polly Inglis, Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Anna Browning, Chloe Deerness, Eva Gray, Laura Harris, Bella James, Louisa Kotkamp, Felicity Robertson, Anika Todd, PJ Watkins
Players to watch out:
Nensi Patel
Nensi Patel showed grit for Northern Brave, battling 28 off 43 balls in a tough chase before a run out. She’s adapting well in limited games. Her patience helps steady innings, and she is a key and a valuable asset for her side going ahead into the tournament.
Marama Downes
Marama Downes has been Northern’s go-to seamer, picking 2 wickets for 36 in 5.2 overs at an economy of 6.75. She has bowled tight overs in the few she has sent down so far. Her pace adds bite to the attack, and she is a key bowler for her side as they approach further in the tournament.
Laura Harris
Laura Harris has been the standout batter for Otago Sparks so far, smashing 76 runs across two matches at an impressive average of 38. In her latest outing against Central Hinds, she fired 24 off 16 balls with three fours and a six before getting out. She’s anchoring the middle order with real intent.
Emma Black
Emma Black impressed with the ball in Otago’s win over Central Hinds, grabbing 2 wickets for 22 runs in her 4 overs at an economy of 5.50. She’s been tight and effective early in the tournament. Her variations are troubling batters already. She has picked up 4 wickets in the tournament so far.
Pitch:
The surface at Bay Oval typically assists batters, allowing the ball to come nicely onto the bat, though pacers find some early movement and claim around 73% of wickets. Recent T20 games show scores around 140-180, where spinners control economy better than pacers later in innings.
Weather:
Expect sunshine after the early morning showers clear, with daytime highs of 20-23°C, light easterly winds of 5-10 km/h and humidity around 70-80%, promising a complete game of cricket.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Polly Inglis, Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Eva Gray, Laura Harris, Louisa Kotkamp, Jo Gardner, Caitlin Gurrey, Nensi Patel, Lucy Boucher, Marama Downes
Match Details:
Date – January 4, 2025
Time – 6:40 AM IST
Venue – Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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