Wellington Blaze currently sits comfortably at the top of the table with 14 points from four matches. Despite a recent five-wicket loss to Auckland Hearts, they have been the team to beat this season. Meanwhile, Central Hinds have clawed their way back into contention; after a rocky start with two consecutive losses, they secured back-to-back bonus point victories to climb to third place with 10 points.
A major talking point for this fixture is the absence of Amelia Kerr, who led the tournament’s scoring with 206 runs before being away. In her absence, Georgia Plimmer has stepped up for the Blaze, supported by the veteran class of Ellyse Perry, who has already taken four wickets at a staggering average of 8.00. The Hinds will counter with their own inform stars, specifically Bryony Smith and Flora Devonshire, both of whom have been scoring aggressively with strike rates north of 175.00.
Squads:
Wellington Blaze Women’s Cricket Team
Nicole Baird, Maitlan Brown, Rebecca Burns, Hannah Francis, Xara Jetley, Jess McFayden, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Ellyse Perry, Isla McKenzie, Georgia Plimmer, Jess Simmons
Central Hinds Women’s Cricket Team
Hannah Rowe, Lizzy Cohr, Flora Devonshire, Kate Gaging, Claudia Green, Ashtuti Kumar, Emma McLeod, Rosemary Mair, Cate Pedersen, Grace Scrivens, Bryony Smith, Kerry Tomlinson
Players to watch out:
Ellyse Perry
The Australian superstar has made an immediate impact for the Blaze, showing exactly why she’s considered one of the greatest to ever play the game. In just two outings, she has looked incredibly sharp with the bat, accumulating 58 runs while striking at over 120. Her presence in the middle order provides a massive boost of experience and stability, giving Wellington a real edge as they look to maintain their position at the top of the standings.
Jess Kerr
A consistent threat with the ball, Jess has been instrumental in the Blaze’s dominant run, picking up 6 wickets in four matches. She has a real knack for breaking partnerships, evidenced by her best figures of 2/25 and a solid strike rate of 16.00. Her reliability at the top and death overs makes her a vital component of Wellington’s bowling attack as they look to maintain their spot at the top of the table.
Hannah Rowe
As the leader of Central Hinds, Hannah has been leading by example, especially with her discipline with the ball. She has claimed 5 wickets in four games, often delivering crucial breakthroughs when her team needs them most. While she’s known for her pace, her leadership and composure during tight finishes have been just as important for the Hinds’ climb up the points table this summer.
Bryony Smith
The English import has brought plenty of aggression to the Hinds’ top order, currently sitting among the top run-scorers with 88 runs. What really stands out is her explosive power, striking at 176.00 and clearing the boundary with ease. Her ability to get the team off to a flyer puts immediate pressure on the opposition, making her one of the most dangerous batters to bowl to in the powerplay.
Pitch:
The lively green deck offers seamers early help with consistent bounce and the winds further aid swing bowlers. Tests see bowling-first edge (29/71 wins), ODIs batters-friendly later. Recent matches confirm pacer dominance, avg scores ~300-350.
Weather:
The weather will be mild, with highs of 20°C high and lows of 13°C, partly cloudy with a low rain chance. The conditions promise uninterrupted action, a complete game of cricket.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Hannah Rowe, Flora Devonshire, Claudia Green, Rosemary Mair, Bryony Smith, Xara Jetley, Jess McFayden, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Plimmer
Match Details:
Date – January 7, 2026
Time – 5:10 AM IST
Venue – Basin Reserve, Wellington
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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