This is the big one for Wellington Blaze in the upcoming fixture of Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2025-26. Sitting in the middle of the pack with 27 points, they are coming off a nail-biting 2-run win over Otago Sparks that kept their season breathing. Their opponents, Auckland Hearts, are currently their primary rivals with 18 points to their name. Auckland comes into this on a high after Maddy Green’s record-breaking century helped them defend 299 against the Hinds. With both teams fighting for the right to face Northern Brave in the final, the stakes at the Basin Reserve couldn’t be higher.
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, rachel Bryant, Antonia Hamilton, Sam Mackinder, Gemma Sims
Auckland Hearts Women’s Cricket Team
Bella Armstrong, Jessica Smith, Ayaan Lambat, Josie Penfold, Prue Catton, Elizabeth Buchanan, Amie Hucker, Anika Tauwhare, Olivia Anderson, Rishika Jaswal, Talia Hurley, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green
Players to watch out:
Maddy Green
Maddy has balanced her leadership duties with some very effective all-round contributions for Auckland Hearts. She has been sharp with the bat, scoring 308 runs including a fine century, while also proving to be a surprisingly effective bowling option by taking 11 wickets at a strike rate of 20.90. Her experience is evident in her composure during high-pressure situations, often providing the steady hand the Hearts need.
Jess Kerr
Jess has been a standout performer for Wellington Blaze, particularly with her ability to swing the ball and dismantle top orders. She currently sits with 16 wickets at a remarkable average of 16.37, including a career-best 7/18 that completely blew the opposition away. On top of her bowling exploits, she has contributed 220 useful runs down the order, proving once again why she is considered a world-class all-rounder.
Xara Jetly
Xara continues to be a fan favorite and a wicket-taking machine for Wellington Blaze. Her 18 wickets so far this season make her one of the most dangerous spinners in the league, with her best effort being a match-winning 6/39. She has also shown growth with the bat, chipping in with nearly 200 runs to bail her side out of a few tricky spots in the lower-middle order.
Josie Penfold
Josie has been a consistent threat for Auckland Hearts, leading their wicket-taking tally with 15 scalps in 9 matches. Her ability to strike regularly is reflected in her bowling average of 15.93 and the best return of 6/30. She bowls with great control and has a knack for finding the breakthrough just when the opposition looks to be getting away.
Pitch:
The pitch often starts with a healthy covering of green grass, offering significant swing and bounce. However, the Basin is famous for its howling winds, which can be a nightmare for bowlers running into it but a boon for those using it to drift the ball.
Weather:
Wellington will experience a high of 15°C and a low of 14°C; expect strong 41 mph winds from the south.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Bella Armstrong, Josie Penfold, Prue Catton, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Nicole Baird, Maitlan Brown, Xara Jetley, Jess Kerr,Georgia Plimmer, Gemma Sims
Match Details:
Date – February 15, 2026
Time – 3:00 AM IST
Venue – Basin Reserve, Wellington
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the New Zealand Cricket YouTube channel.
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