As the Women’s Super Smash 2025-26 rolls into Match 20 at University Oval, both teams find themselves at critical junctures in their respective campaigns. Wellington Blaze currently sits comfortably at the top of the points table with 23 points from 7 matches, having recently edged out Northern Brave in a 3-run thriller. On the other hand, Otago Sparks are holding onto 4th place with 15 points, but they come into this fixture with renewed confidence after pulling off a gritty 4-wicket win over the Auckland Hearts just a few days ago.
Squads:
Otago Sparks Women’s Cricket Team
Polly Inglis, Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Anna Browning, Chloe Deerness, Eva Gray, Laura Harris, Bella James, Louisa Kotkamp, Felicity Robertson, Anika Todd, PJ Watkins
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:
Maitlan Brown
Maitlan Brown has been a real spark for Wellington Blaze, consistently delivering with the bat when the pressure is on. In her 6 appearances so far, she has notched up 122 runs at a brisk strike rate of 143.52, making her one of the more dangerous finishers in the competition. Her recent unbeaten 44 against Otago Sparks was a masterclass in composed power-hitting, proving she can anchor a chase just as well as she can accelerate. Beyond just the numbers, her ability to find the boundary—hitting 12 fours and 3 sixes—has given Wellington a much-needed edge in the middle order.
Caitlin Blakely
Caitlin Blakely has acted as the reliable anchor for Otago Sparks throughout this season’s campaign. Across her 6 matches, she has accumulated 134 runs, often playing the long game to ensure her side has a platform to build on. While her strike rate of 117.54 is more measured compared to the big hitters, her value lies in her stability, as seen in her patient 36-run knock during the tight contest against Wellington. She currently leads the run-scoring charts for Otago, showing just how vital her presence is in their top order.
Emma Black
Leading the bowling attack for Otago Sparks, Emma Black has been a standout performer with her disciplined pace and wicket-taking ability. She has already claimed 8 wickets in 6 matches, maintaining a solid economy rate of 6.50 that keeps the opposition under constant pressure. Her best figures of 2/19 highlight her knack for picking up breakthroughs at crucial moments, often cleaning up the top order before they can get settled. With a bowling average of 19.50, she remains one of the most efficient and threatening bowlers in the tournament.
Pitch:
The University Oval in Dunedin features a batting-friendly pitch, offering good bounce for strokeplay and short boundaries that encourage high scores around 165-190 on average. It provides early assistance to pacers with the new ball, while spinners gain grip as the surface slows later in matches, making it balanced overall.
Weather:
The weather in Dunedin looks cool with a high of about 15°C and lows near 5°C, featuring partly cloudy skies and a chance of light rain or showers. Expect moderate winds up to 30-35 km/h with gusts, potentially aiding swing bowling but risking interruptions from precipitation.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Laura Harris, Bella James, Louisa Kotkamp, Nicole Baird, Maitlan Brown, Xara Jetley, Jess Kerr, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Plimmer
Match Details:
Date – January 15, 2026
Time – 5:10 AM IST
Venue – University Oval, Dunedin
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
Loves all things female cricket