The rivalry between Auckland Hearts and Wellington Blaze is one of the most storied in New Zealand domestic cricket, and this Match 8 Super Smash encounter promises to add another thrilling chapter. Auckland returns to the familiar surrounds of the Outer Oval, where they face a Wellington side that has been the gold standard in the Super Smash for years.
Squads:
Auckland Hearts Women’s Cricket Team
Olivia Anderson, Bella Armstrong, Elizabeth Buchanan, Prue Catton, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Amie Hucker, Bree Illing, Ayaan Lambat, Josie Penfold, Molly Penfold
Wellington Blaze Women’s Cricket Team
Nicole Baird, Maitlan Brown, Rebecca Burns, Hannah Francis, Xara Jetley, Jess McFayden, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Ellyse Perry, Isla McKenzie, Georgia Plimmer, Jess Simmons
Players to watch out:
Georgia Plimmer
Georgia Plimmer tops the run charts for Wellington Blaze with 101 runs in 2 matches at a stellar average of 50.50 and strike rate of 123.17, her highest score a match-defining 62 off 53 balls. She anchored the innings with 16 boundaries already, blending solidity and aggression at the top. Plimmer’s form makes her the standout batter in a competitive field.
Maddy Green
Maddy Green has chipped in steadily for Auckland Hearts, scoring 39 off 26 balls in a recent chase while featuring prominently in the most-runs conversation from prior seasons. Her experience shines through with smart placement and quick running between wickets, she has amassed 43 runs so far in the tournament. As captain, she’s setting the tone for her side’s middle-order firepower.
Nicole Baird
Nicole Baird has burst onto the scene with 3 wickets from 5 overs at 6.40 economy and best figures of 2/18, ranking among the top wicket-takers after two games for her side. She’s mixed tight lines with timely breakthroughs, proving economical under pressure. Baird’s early impact suggests she’s one to watch in the bowling rankings.
Amie Hucker
Amie Hucker claimed 1 wicket for 33 runs in 4 overs during Wellington Blaze’s big win, showing fight despite a tougher day with the ball at 8.25 economy. She’s contributed in the field and is pushing for more overs as the tournament progresses. With her all-round skills, Hucker could turn things around quickly.
Pitch:
Eden Park Outer Oval in Auckland has a bowler-friendly drop-in pitch, assisting pacers with pace and bounce in the initial overs before slowing down. Batters face challenges, especially chasing in the second innings when the surface aids spinners and medium pacers.
Weather:
Auckland expects warm, humid weather on 1 January with sunny intervals and highs of 22-26°C. Possible afternoon showers (20-30% chance) and moderate winds could briefly affect play.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Nicole Baird, Xara Jetley, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Plimmer, Bella Armstrong, Prue Catton, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Amie Hucker
Match Details:
Date – January 2, 2026
Time – 5:10 AM IST
Venue – Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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