Northern Brave go up against Wellington Blaze in Match 6 of the Women’s T20 Super Smash 2025-26. This match carries significant weight for the leaderboard as both teams look to cement their standing early in the summer. Wellington Women currently sit in second place with two wins from two matches, trailing only Otago on net run rate. Meanwhile, Northern Districts are searching for their first full win after their opening match ended in a No Result, leaving them with 2 points. A victory here for the Blaze would keep their perfect streak alive, while the Northern Brave will be desperate to prove they can contend with the competition’s heavyweights.
Squads:
Northern Brave Women’s Cricket Team
Tash Wakelin, Jess Watkin, Jo Gardner, Caitlin Gurrey, Nensi Patel, Marina Lamplough, Kayley Knight, Eve Wolland, Holly Topp, Lucy Boucher, Carol Agafili, Marama Downes
Wellington Blaze Women’s Cricket Team
Nicole Baird, Maitlan Brown, Rebecca Burns, Hannah Francis, Xara Jetley, Jess McFayden, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Ellyse Perry, Isla McKenzie, Georgia Plimmer, Jess Simmons
Players to watch out:
Caitlin Gurrey
Northern Brave’s leading run-scorer, Caitlin Gurrey, was a vital anchor for her side throughout the 2024-25 campaign. She finished the season with 196 runs at a solid average of 32.6, consistently providing stability at the top of the order. Her reliable batting helped propel the Brave to the Elimination Final, marking them as one of the most resilient teams in the tournament.
Marama Downes
Rising star Marama Downes proved to be a clinical force with the ball, claiming 7 wickets at an average of 26.1 during the 2024-25 season. Known for her tight control, she maintained an impressive economy rate of 6.2 runs per over and a high dot-ball percentage. Her standout moment included a disciplined spell of 1/20 against the reigning champions, Wellington Blaze, highlighting her ability to perform against top-tier opposition.
Amelia Kerr
Wellington Blaze captain Amelia Kerr has made a historic start to the 2025-26 season, recently smashing her maiden T20 century with a 106* off 61 balls against Auckland Hearts. This landmark innings included 17 boundaries and powered her team to a record 155-run opening partnership. She currently leads the tournament with 140 runs in just two matches, maintaining a dominant strike rate of 173.77.
Xara Jetly
Off-spinner Xara Jetly has been the standout bowler of the competition, currently leading the wicket-taking charts with 4 wickets at an average of just 12. Her most impactful performance featured a clinical 3/21 spell against Auckland Hearts, where she remarkably claimed three wickets in just four deliveries. Beyond her bowling, she has contributed a vital 21* with the bat, proving herself as a key all-round asset.
Pitch:
The surface at Bay Oval typically assists batters, allowing the ball to come nicely onto the bat, though pacers find some early movement and overall claim around 73% of wickets in ODIs. Recent T20 games show scores around 140-180, where spinners control economy better than pacers later in innings.
Weather:
Mount Maunganui faces mild summer conditions typical for late December, with daytime highs near 21°C (71°F) and lows around 15°C (59°F). Humidity and coastal winds may slightly influence play, but conditions remain suitable for cricket.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Maitlan Brown, Xara Jetley, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Plimmer, Caitlin Gurrey, Nensi Patel, Kayley Knight, Lucy Boucher, Marama Downes
Match Details:
Date – December 31, 2025
Time – 5:10 AM IST
Venue – Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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