Wellington Blaze produced a commanding all-round performance to register a comprehensive 61-run victory over Northern Brave Women in the 6th match of the Women’s Super Smash 2025-26 at Mount Maunganui, with captain Amelia Kerr leading from the front in a game that followed a clear narrative of control, momentum shifts, and decisive individual brilliance.
The innings began on a cautious note for Wellington Blaze as they lost an early wicket, with Georgia Plimmer departing cheaply at 1.1 overs. However, the early setback did little to dent their intent. Captain Amelia Kerr with calm authority immediately began anchoring the innings, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries. She found early support in Ellyse Perry, and the duo stitched together a vital partnership that steadied the innings while gradually increasing the tempo.
Perry’s presence injected fluency, as she mixed timing with power, while Kerr played the role of the accumulator, ensuring the scoreboard kept moving without unnecessary risks. Their partnership proved to be the backbone of the Wellington innings. Perry’s 39 off 31 balls, featuring four sixes, brought momentum during the middle overs before she was dismissed at 10.3 overs, caught by Lucy Boucher off Nensi Patel. Kerr continued unfazed, passing her half-century with composed stroke play.
Jess Kerr and Rebecca Burns had brief stays, but the innings truly surged at the death when Maitlan Brown walked in. Brown’s explosive cameo of 30* off just 13 balls, including three sixes, provided the late acceleration Wellington needed. Kerr eventually fell for a well-crafted 66 off 55 balls at 18.2 overs, but by then the platform had been set, with the Blaze finishing strongly at 154/5 in 20 overs, maintaining a healthy run rate of 7.70.
Northern Brave bowlers showed resilience despite the pressure. Lucy Boucher and Marama Downes picked up a wicket apiece, while Kayley Knight, Jess Watkin, and Nensi Patel also contributed with crucial breakthroughs. Patel was the most expensive, conceding 34 runs, while Boucher’s economy of 5.00 stood out in a challenging bowling effort.
Chasing 155, Northern Brave endured a nightmare start. Jess Watkin was dismissed on the very first ball, followed by Tash Wakelin, leaving the side reeling at 2/16 within three overs. Caitlin Gurrey and Nensi Patel attempted to rebuild, forging a promising partnership that offered brief hope. Gurrey’s 26 off 26 balls showcased composure, while Patel’s 28 off 43 balls reflected resistance rather than aggression.
However, Wellington’s disciplined bowling attack ensured the required run rate kept climbing. Amelia Kerr once again proved decisive, not just with the bat but also with the ball. Her spell of 2/14 strangled the middle order, removing key batters at crucial moments. Ellyse Perry complemented her perfectly, delivering a fiery spell of 3/11, including the wickets of Jess Watkin and Eve Wolland.
Jess Kerr’s accuracy earned her 2 wickets for 25 runs, while Xara Jetly chipped in with a wicket and excellent control. The pressure told as Northern Brave lost wickets in quick succession, sliding from 3-38 to 7-80, effectively ending the contest. Despite a few late runs from Carol Agafili and Kayley Knight, the innings never recovered. Northern Brave were eventually restricted to 93/9 in their 20 overs, falling well short of the target.
Wellington Blaze’s clinical bowling performance, sharp fielding, and game awareness ensured there was no room for a comeback. Amelia Kerr was deservedly named Player of the Match for her outstanding all-round contribution of 66 runs and 2/14 with the ball. This dominant display not only underlined Wellington Blaze’s title credentials but also highlighted the gulf in execution on the day, as Northern Brave struggled to match Wellington’s intensity across all departments.
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