In Women’s Super Smash, the match-up between Wellington Blaze and Auckland Hearts is always a thrilling affair, packed with tension and excitement. As the two teams get ready for the 4th game of the Super Smash season, a few names from Wellington are creating buzz for their recent performances, especially during the ongoing 2024-25 Super Smash season.
Rebecca Burns
Rebecca Burns had an impressive run in last season’s Super Smash. Her ability to score runs with both intent and precision truly set her apart. She finished the 2024-25 season as one of Wellington’s standout players, registering the highest of 69 off just 41 balls, displaying a remarkable strike rate well over 160. It’s the kind of explosive performance that can disrupt opposing bowling plans, whether during the powerplay or while chasing a target. Over the course of 12 innings, she accumulated 269 runs with an average of 26.90 and a strike rate of 113.02. What makes Burns particularly captivating to watch is her unique blend of aggression and timing. With her impressive game awareness, she can adapt her play to lead a chase or accelerate during the middle overs, making her a player to watch closely.
Hannah Francis
Hannah Francis might not always grab the headlines, but her impact on the team is undeniable. Her versatility makes her one of the most quietly influential players in Wellington’s lineup. Throughout the 2024-25 Super Smash season, she consistently made valuable contributions with both bat and ball at critical junctures. With her medium-pace bowling, she often provides the captain with a reliable option to break partnerships or keep the scoring in check. At the same time, her knack for rotating the strike and maintaining composure under pressure is essential when the innings demand a steady hand. In high-pressure matches like this one, Francis’s contributions could be the crucial difference between a seamless Wellington victory and a nail-biter.
Xara Jetly
Xara Jetly is arguably one of the most exciting prospects for Wellington this season. As a right-arm off-spinner, she combines skill with control, finishing the last Super Smash season with an impressive wicket tally. She took 8 wickets in 10 matches, averaging 25.87 and maintaining an economy rate of 6.67. Her ability to claim key wickets at pivotal moments earned her the Player of the Match title on several occasions, with standout performances like 3 for 25 against Central Districts Women. Jetly’s statistics illustrate her consistency as a wicket-taker while also shining a light on her strategic bowling, which is invaluable in New Zealand’s diverse conditions. Her impact goes beyond just numbers; it’s also about how she handles pressure. As Wellington strives for back-to-back Super Smash titles, Jetly’s role as a key bowler makes her someone to watch.
Wellington Blaze had an outstanding 2024-25 Women’s Super Smash season, ultimately clinching their eight title, which highlighted the team’s impressive talent pool. While Amelia and Jess Kerr gathered attention with their high-stakes performances, it was players like Burns and the versatile Francis who illustrated why the Blaze were such a formidable team. Auckland Women, with their own seasoned players, have always posed a challenge, especially on home turf, showcasing their own power hitters and sharp bowlers capable of changing the game in an instant. It’s this riveting rivalry that makes the clashes between Wellington and Auckland so captivating.
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