Otago Sparks have shown some serious grit this Women’s Super Smash 2025-26 season, currently holding onto 4th place on the leaderboard with 15 points. While they’ve faced some tough patches, including a narrow one-run loss that came down to the final ball, they recently proved they can handle the heat by chasing down a big target of 169 against Auckland Hearts. Their campaign has been a mix of steady rebuilding and sudden bursts of brilliance, and they’ll be looking to turn that mid-table stability into a serious playoff push in the coming matches.
Players to watch out:
Caitlin Blakely
Caitlin Blakely has been the model of consistency for the Sparks, serving as a reliable anchor in a batting lineup that has seen its fair share of movement. In her 6 matches, she has accumulated 134 runs, often playing the steadying hand when early wickets fall. While her strike rate of 117.54 shows a more measured approach, her ability to stay at the crease is vital, as seen in her recent unbeaten 32 that helped guide the Sparks through a tricky chase. She currently leads the run-scoring for her side, providing the stability they need to build competitive totals.
Poppy-Jay Watkins
Poppy-Jay Watkins has quickly become a player who can change the course of a game with either the bat or the ball. She recently turned heads with an explosive 50 off just 36 balls against Auckland Hearts, showing she has the power to take on any bowling attack in the powerplay. She has scored 103 runs in the tournament so far and on the bowling side, she has been just as effective, maintaining an incredibly tight economy rate of 5.57. With her ability to chip in with five crucial wickets and provide quick-fire runs, she is arguably Otago’s most versatile threat right now.
Louisa Kotkamp
Louisa Kotkamp has been a revelation with the ball, providing the Sparks with a genuine wicket-taking option every time she steps up to the mark. She has already bagged 8 wickets in just 6 matches, including a match-winning 3/24 that tore through Central Hinds’ middle order. Her bowling average of 17.75 and her knack for breaking partnerships at the most opportune moments have made her a captain’s dream. When the Sparks need a breakthrough, Kotkamp is increasingly becoming the one they turn to.
Loves all things female cricket