Wellington Blaze are looking every bit like defending champions, currently sitting comfortably at the top of the points table with 29 points from 9 matches. Their campaign has been a masterclass in balance, with the team finding different match-winners in almost every outing, from Amelia Kerr’s record-breaking century to Xara Jetly’s clinical spells. With 6 wins and a strong net run rate of 0.965, they have already secured their place in the Grand Final, making them the undisputed team to beat as the tournament nears its climax.
Players to watch out:
Xara Jetly
Xara is having a career-defining summer, currently leading the wicket-taking charts with 13 dismissals across 9 matches. Her off spin has been surgical, maintaining a remarkable economy rate of just 5.70 while striking every 14 balls, which makes her a nightmare for batters in the middle overs. Beyond her bowling, she has become a genuine threat with the bat, recently contributing a vital 27 against the Magicians and a season-high 31 against Northern Brave. Jetly is the ultimate utility player for the Blaze, often breaking crucial partnerships just as they begin to look dangerous.
Jess Kerr
While Jess has been productive with the bat this year, her bowling remains the backbone of the Blaze attack. She is currently tied at the top of the leaderboard with 13 wickets, including a devastating season-best spell of 4/18 that tore through the opposition’s top order. Her ability to swing the ball early on consistently creates pressure, reflected in her disciplined economy of 6.41 and an average of 16.76. Whether she’s opening the bowling or returning for a death spell, Kerr’s international experience and tactical execution make her the most reliable strike option for the defending champions.
Georgia Plimmer
Plimmer has matured into a cornerstone of the Blaze’s top order, currently ranked as the second-highest run-scorer in the entire competition with 208 runs with the best of 62 and an average of 23.11. Her season has been defined by consistency rather than raw power, accumulating her runs at a strike rate of 101.96 and providing the stable platform her team needs to chase or set targets. She has been particularly impressive in tight contests, providing crucial scores like her 39 against Central Hinds and 36 in the recent victory over Canterbury Magicians. Her reliability at the crease allows the big hitters around her to play with freedom, making her the glue that holds the Wellington batting unit together.
Loves all things female cricket