In the ongoing Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HJS) 2025-26 Northern Brave top the table with 28 points from seven matches, six wins and one loss, NRR +1.518, their form on fire with a string of greens. Canterbury Magicians languish at the bottom with 5 points, just one win from seven, NRR -0.467 after heavy defeats. The standings paint a clear picture—Northern are flying high, Canterbury desperate for momentum.
Squads:
Canterbury Magicians Women’s Cricket Team
Lea Tahuhu, Kate Anderson, Sarah Asmussen, Missy Banks, Kate Chandler, Nat Cox, Jodie Dean, Abigale Gerken, Abigail Hotton, Kate Irwin, Izzy Sharp, Gabby Sullivan, Stella Cornelius, Darcy Prasad, Libby Stead
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, Skye Bowden, Yaz Kareem
Players to watch out:
Kate Anderson
Kate Anderson is having a historic season, highlighted by a record-breaking 171 not out off 153 balls against the Hinds, the highest score in Canterbury’s history. She followed that up with a score of 72 in the next round, taking her season tally to 280 runs at an average of 56 striking at 90.61. Not just a batting powerhouse, she also claimed 3/30 with her off-spin, making her a match-winner in both departments.
Caitlin Gurrey
Caitlin Gurrey continues to be the pillar of Northern Brave batting lineup, scoring 310 runs so far this summer. She was agonizingly close to a century with a brilliant 99 against the Hearts and added a quick 71 against the Sparks. Her ability to maintain a strike rate near 80s while opening the batting makes her the most feared wicket in Northern Brave as she also has a pretty good average of 51.66 which makes her a vital cog for her unit.
Missy Banks
Missy has emerged as a genuine all-rounder for Canterbury, contributing significantly in both departments. She has picked up 11 wickets this season at an average of 18.18 and an economy rate of 4.08 and best bowling figures of 3 for 31, proving her worth as a clutch player in tight situations. Her ability to break partnerships with her medium-pace has made her a go-to option for her captain.
Kayley Knight
Kayley has been a workhorse for Northern Brave, leading their bowling attack with a mix of pace and precision. She has picked up 13 wickets so far with a best of 4 for 28 averaging 11.16 and an economy rate of 3.69 and striking every 19 balls, often bowling the difficult overs at the death. Her tireless effort on the field and her knack for picking up wickets in clusters have made her a vital asset for Northern Brave.
Pitch:
Hagley Oval is arguably the most English of the New Zealand grounds. It features a lush, green outfield and a pitch that offers consistent carry and bounce. It is very fair; if a fast bowler hits the deck hard, they are rewarded, but the ball comes onto the bat beautifully for stroke-makers. It rarely offers much for the spinners until very late in a match.
Weather:
The Canterbury weather is typically drier and more stable than the northern cities. It can get quite hot in the afternoon (climbing to 23°C today), but as evening approaches, a cool easterly breeze often kicks in, which can suddenly wake up the swing bowlers.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Kate Anderson, Sarah Asmussen, Missy Banks, Kate Chandler, Izzy Sharp, Gabby Sullivan, Tash Wakelin, Jess Watkin, Caitlin Gurrey, Nensi Patel, Kayley Knight
Match Details:
Date – February 07, 2026
Time – 3:00 AM IST
Venue – Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on New Zealand Cricket YouTube channel.
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