The Women’s Super Smash has always been more than just another domestic T20 competition; it’s a place where futures are quietly molded and where consistent performances earn recognition. This season, as Northern Brave gear up to kick off their 2025-26 Women’s Super Smash campaign against the Auckland Hearts, all eyes will be on a trio of players who embody a balance of experience, discipline, and promise: Jess Watkin, Yasmeen Kareem, and Nensi Patel.
Jess Watkin
For Northern Brave, Jess Watkin isn’t just a senior player; she’s the one who sets the rhythm. She has consistently showcased her reliability as one of the top all-rounders in the domestic game. Last year, she scored over 208 runs with a solid average of 26.00, including a half-century, while also claiming 7 wickets in 9 innings with her tight off-spin bowling. Her ability to stabilize the innings and maintain pressure with the ball makes her essential to the team’s balance.
In her previous Super Smash tournament, Watkin held her ground in the middle order during tricky situations, helping steer the team towards a defendable score after early wickets fell. Her contribution might not always be flashy, but it’s crucial; she expertly rotated the strike and found gaps, allowing Northern Brave a fighting chance. As they face the strong Auckland Hearts, her role in maintaining composure in the middle overs will be vital. She provides calm leadership and sets a standard for the younger players to follow.
Yasmeen Kareem
While Watkin brings calmness, Yasmeen Kareem adds an element of control. The left-handed batter has emerged as one of Northern Brave’ most reliable assets this season. Her discipline is key; she focuses on hitting her shots and trusts the pitch to yield results.
In her last outing, Kareem played a quick innings of 17 runs, stabilising the team early and applying pressure on the opposition. Her contributions extend beyond mere numbers; they encapsulate the essence of pressure delivery. Against Auckland Hearts, her performance will be pivotal during the Powerplay, as early wickets can turn the tide of the match. Her ability to swing the ball just enough to keep batters guessing makes her a player to watch.
Nensi Patel
Among the newer talents, Nensi Patel stood out as one of the most exciting stories of the 2025 season. As she adapts to the demands of top-level cricket, she displays a maturity beyond her years. With useful runs down the order and tidy bowling spells, Patel has quickly begun to justify the faith put in her. Last season, she took 6 wickets in 9 innings at an average of 31.50, alongside scoring 116 runs with a top score of 38*.
In her recent match, Patel impressed with her awareness, taking 4/30 to hinder the opposition’s chase. She focused on building pressure rather than chasing after wickets, a skill that often distinguishes potential from lasting success. For Northern Brave, she represents depth and adaptability, a player who can rise to bigger moments when needed. In the opening match of the Super Smash, she has the freedom to perform without the burden of expectations, and that liberty often leads to standout performances.
As Northern Brave face off against Auckland Hearts in their first match of the 2025-26 Super Smash, this encounter promises more than just an early win. With Jess Watkin’s steady influence, Yasmeen Kareem’s focused prowess, and Nensi Patel’s growing confidence, the team steps into the season with a blend of assurance and ambition. These players are not just ones to watch for their immediate impact but also for the way they will help shape the campaign ahead.
