Auckland Hearts started their Women’s Super Smash 2025-26 campaign on the wrong foot, with their first match being called off and losing their second match by a margin of 49 runs. However, they managed to turn things around in their second match, chasing down a total of 113 in 18.5 overs.
Skipper Maddy Green stepped up her game in the previous match and anchored the innings, ensuring their first victory in this campaign. Meanwhile, their upcoming fixture against the 2nd place Otago Sparks at their home could test the character of Green and her Women, with the Sparks looking to bounce back after their loss, which was backed by two dominant victories. With just 6 points from 3 matches, Auckland Hearts will be looking to find their rhythm to book a place in the qualifiers.
Players to watch out:
Maddy Green
Maddy Green has been a key performer for Auckland Hearts in this tournament with 92 runs and a wicket to her name, from the 2 matches she has featured in. She played a crucial role in leading her side to victory against Wellington Blaze, with a composed 53 from 45 balls. She also single-handedly carried her batting unit in their previous encounter with a solid 36 off just 29 balls. She could also be handy with the ball as she could limit the flow of runs and take quick wickets to falter the opposition. Her all-round abilities could prove to be vital for the Auckland Hearts to secure a spot at the top.
Josie Penfold
Auckland Hearts are filled with players who can contribute with both bat and ball, and one such player is Josie Penfold. Penfold was absolutely clinical with her bowling last time out, grabbing two wickets for just 17 runs from her 3 overs. She picked up two important wickets from the top order, including the wicket of Ellyse Perry. With the bat, she may not be the best of ball strikers, but her ability to control and rotate the strike could be needed, considering the late batting collapses Auckland has faced in the recent past.
Bella Armstrong
Bella Armstrong is an excellent medium pacer who bowls economically and picks up wickets at important stages of the game. She is also a middle-order batter who can provide flexibility to the squad with her well-rounded skills. She has been a key part of Auckland Hearts and has consistently delivered for the side. In her last match, she went only for 14 runs from her 4 overs and also got the wicket of Georgia Plimmer. She would be a player to watch out for with her current form, and with her team struggling, we might see Armstrong shouldering the responsibility of taking her side through.
Loves all things female cricket