The early stages of the Women’s Super Smash are often where identities are formed. Teams aren’t just chasing wins; they’re searching for rhythm, clarity and confidence. As Wellington Blaze step into their first Super Smash fixture of the 2025-26 season against Central Hinds, they do so with growing assurance, built around a core of players who understand the demands of domestic T20 cricket. Among them, three names stand out as potential game-shapers: Rebecca Burns, Xara Jetly and Jess Simmons.
Rebecca Burns
At the heart of Wellington’s batting order is Rebecca Burns, a player whose value extends far beyond numbers. In the 2025-26 Super Smash, Burns will be trusted to lead with intent and responsibility, scoring important top-order runs while anchoring innings when wickets fall early. She scored 269 runs in 12 innings with her best score being 69* and an average of 26.90 last season. Her ability to bat time, assess conditions and still keep the scoreboard moving makes her one of Wellington’s most dependable assets. What sets Burns apart is her temperament. She understands that T20 cricket isn’t always about speed, sometimes it’s about control. Against Central Hinds, her role at the top becomes crucial once again: absorb early pressure, read the bowlers quickly, and give Wellington the stability they need to launch later.
Xara Jetly
Few young bowlers in New Zealand’s domestic circuit have grown as quickly as Xara Jetly. The left-arm spinner has emerged as a key component of Wellington’s bowling plans, and her performances underline that trust. Already among Wellington’s more economical bowlers, Jetly has combined control with wicket-taking ability, a rare balance in T20 cricket. Jetly picked up 8 wickets in 9 innings with an average of 25.87 last summer. Jetly’s strength lies in her game awareness. She doesn’t chase wickets blindly; she builds pressure and lets mistakes come to her. Against a Central Hinds line-up that thrives on momentum, her role in slowing the game down could be decisive.
Jess Simmons
If Wellington needs spark, Jess Simmons provides it, with bat, ball and presence in the field. Known for her aggressive approach and athleticism, Simmons has enjoyed a promising start to the 2025-26 domestic season, contributing useful runs and impactful spells in key moments. Simmons thrives in chaos, the late overs, the tight chases, the moments where energy can swing momentum. Against Central Hinds, she could become Wellington’s X-factor, especially if the game opens up in the second half.
As Wellington Blaze face Central Hinds in their 2025-26 Super Smash opener, the contest promises intensity, intent and evolving confidence. With Burns’ composure, Jetly’s intelligent spin, and Simmons’ fearless energy, Wellington carry a blend of stability and spark that makes them a side worth watching closely. In a tournament defined by moments, these three players could shape the story of the match, quietly, decisively, and at exactly the right time.
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