As the Women’s Super Smash 2025-26 season heats up, Match 16 at the Basin Reserve is shaping up to be a critical encounter between Wellington Blaze and Northern Brave.
The Blaze head into this fixture as the current table-toppers, boasting 4 wins and 18 points from their 6 outings. They are coming off a high after a clinical 6-wicket victory over the Otago Sparks, where they successfully chased down 143 runs. In contrast, Northern Brave are currently in third place with 11 points, having recorded 2 wins and 1 loss and 1N/R from their 4 matches so far.
Squads:
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
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
Players to watch out:
Maitlan Brown
Maitlan Brown has been a steadying force for the Wellington Blaze, featuring in all 6 matches so far this season. She has accumulated 122 runs at a solid average of 40.66, often playing crucial roles in the middle order to keep the scoreboard moving. Her unbeaten high score of 44* and an impressive strike rate of 143.52 highlight her ability to finish games clinically under pressure. She also has three wickets with the ball.
Tash Wakelin
Tash Wakelin has shown glimpses of brilliance for Northern Brave, particularly with her standout unbeaten 86 which remains one of the highest individual scores of the tournament. Though she has only batted twice in her three appearances, her ability to anchor and accelerate an innings is now evident. She continues to be a key power-hitting prospect for the Brave as the tournament progresses.
Jess Kerr
A vital cog in the Blaze’s bowling attack, Jess Kerr has been consistently effective across her 6 matches, picking up 8 wickets. She maintains a disciplined economy rate of 6.54 and has the best bowling performance of 2/25, proving her worth in the powerplay and middle overs alike. Her experience is reflected in her strike rate of 18.00, ensuring the Blaze frequently break through the opposition’s top order.
Lucy Boucher
Lucy Boucher has been a revelation with the ball for Northern Brave, quickly becoming one of the most dangerous bowlers in the competition. In just 4 matches, she has already claimed 7 wickets, headlined by a match-winning spell of 4/16. Her incredible average of 9.14 and an economy rate under five runs per over make her one of the most difficult bowlers to score against this season.
Pitch:
The lively green surface offers seamers early help with consistent bounce and Basin’s southerly winds aiding swing. Recent matches at this venue confirm pacer dominance and the average scores of ~145-155 also hit at good conditions to bat on.
Weather:
Expect very windy conditions with northwest winds, gusting higher, and occasional showers or rain. Temperatures will range from around 15-20°C (59-68°F) with partly cloudy skies and low precipitation chance in some forecasts.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Nicole Baird, Maitlan Brown, Xara Jetley, Jess Kerr, Georgia Plimmer, Tash Wakelin, Jess Watkin, Jo Gardner, Nensi Patel, Lucy Boucher, Marama Downes
Match Details:
Date – January 11, 2026
Time – 5:10 AM IST
Venue – Basin Reserve, Wellington
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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