As the Women’s Super Smash 2025-26 season heats up, the rivalry between provincial sides is heating up, and few match-ups pique interest quite like Wellington Blaze and Northern Brave. With this being their fifth encounter, the Blaze come in with a renewed confidence stemming from last season’s championship run. Their squad boasts a mix of international experience, local talent, and a gritty determination, all of which will be crucial in this clash. Three standout players are set to make a big impact: Maitlan Brown, Melie Kerr, and Rebecca Burns.
Maitlan Brown
Last season, Maitlan Brown brought a unique energy to the Blaze lineup. The Australian fast-bowling all-rounder was a key player in tight moments, not only taking crucial wickets but also contributing valuable runs when needed most. In 6 innings, she scored 93 runs and took 9 wickets in 7 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 6.39. During the elimination game against Northern Brave at the Basin Reserve, she was instrumental, finishing with figures of 2–25, which significantly helped the Blaze secure a 23-run victory. Brown’s standout performance included a brilliant 3-22 against Auckland Hearts, showcasing her knack for taking key wickets and applying pressure throughout the game. Her ability to swing the ball, maintain tight lines in both the powerplay and death overs, and contribute with the bat make her a versatile threat to any opponent.
Amelia Kerr
When it comes to batting prowess, Amelia Kerr led the way last season, not just for her team but across the entire competition. As the top run-scorer in the 2024-25 Women’s Super Smash, she amassed 441 runs at an impressive average of 63.00, including several crucial half-centuries that were key to the Blaze’s success. Notably, in her most recent game, she smashed her maiden T20 century, a 106* against Auckland Hearts. Kerr’s achievements go beyond mere numbers. She excelled in high-pressure situations, displaying the ability to control the game when needed and accelerate the innings when the circumstances called for it. Her leadership and batting skill were central to Wellington’s success last season, as she can set a tone, read a chase, and inspire confidence among her teammates. Against the tactical Brave bowlers, Kerr’s form and resilience will undoubtedly make her a player to keep an eye on.
Rebecca Burns
Rebecca Burns is the embodiment of a classic opening batter, blending intent with impeccable timing. Throughout the 2024-25 Super Smash, she consistently produced important innings that set the stage for her team. With a personal best of 69 off 41 balls, Burns exhibited her command over the bowlers, showcasing her ability to play aggressively while remaining sensible in her approach. She notched up 269 runs across 12 innings last season. Her role often involves facing the new ball and weathering the early attacks from bowlers. However, Burns’s talent for accelerating at just the right moments makes her a potent asset in T20 cricket. Her ability to establish a solid foundation at the top of the order will be particularly valuable against a Brave squad that will be eager to strike early.
Overall, Wellington Blaze not only secured a top-spot in the league but also claimed their ninth Super Smash title last season, reflecting their resilience, depth, and desire for success. With Melie Kerr leading the charge and match-winners like Brown and Burns by her side, their squad looks incredibly strong.
As they gear up to face Northern Brave in this fifth fixture, the combination of experience and current form from these key players promises to significantly influence the game. T20 cricket thrives on pivotal moments, a sudden burst of wickets, a rapid fifty, or a well-timed delivery that turns the tide. With Maitlan Brown’s all-round prowess, Melie Kerr’s leadership, and Rebecca Burns’s explosive starts, fans can expect an exciting match filled with narratives and challenging moments for opposing bowlers.
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