As we head into Match 23 of the 2025-26 Women’s Super Smash at the Basin Reserve, the contrast between Wellington Blaze and Canterbury Magicians couldn’t be sharper. The game is scheduled for the 19th of January 2026, starting at 5:10 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Wellington Blaze currently sits comfortably at the top of the points table with 25 points from 8 matches, having secured 5 wins and suffering only 2 losses. Their last outing ended in a washout against Otago Sparks, but their overall dominance is clear with a healthy Net Run Rate of 0.888. On the flip side, Canterbury Magicians are enduring a nightmare campaign, rooted to the bottom of the table after losing all 6 of their matches so far. With only 2 points to their name and a struggling NRR of -2.619, they are desperate for a turnaround against the league leaders.
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
Canterbury Magicians Women’s Cricket Team
Lea Tahuhu, Kate Anderson, Sarah Asmussen, Missy Banks, Kate Chandler, Nat Cox, Jodie Dean, Abigale Gerken, Abigail Hotton, Kate Irwin, Izzy Sharp, Gabby Sullivan
Players to watch out:
Georgia Plimmer
A key figure in the Wellington Blaze top order, Georgia Plimmer has provided steady contributions throughout her 8 appearances this summer. She has totaled 172 runs with a best score of 62, playing a vital role in anchoring the innings for the league leaders. While she hasn’t relied on sixes, her ability to find the gaps is evident from her 25 boundaries, and her reliability has helped keep the Blaze at the top of the points table.
Jess Kerr
The experienced Wellington Blaze spearhead has been incredibly effective this season, leading her team’s pace attack with 9 wickets in 8 games. She has been remarkably consistent, holding a bowling average of 22.22 and a strike rate of exactly 20.00, while also proving her worth as a genuine all-rounder. Her batting has been a massive bonus for the Blaze, specifically her quick-fire 53 off 31 balls which underscored her ability to change the game with both white ball and bat.
Izzy Sharp
Izzy Sharp has emerged as a standout power-hitter for Canterbury Magicians, currently sitting as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the competition. Over 6 innings, she has amassed 194 runs at a healthy average of 38.80, highlighted by a dominant unbeaten 65. What really sets her apart this season is her aggression; she has cleared the ropes 6 times—the most by any player in the tournament so far—and maintains a sharp strike rate of 131.08.
Melissa Banks
Operating as a primary bowling option for the Magicians, Melissa Banks has picked up 7 wickets across 6 matches with a best effort of 2/23. She has been tasked with bowling difficult overs, maintaining an economy rate of 7.87 and often breaking dangerous partnerships in the middle stages. Beyond her wicket-taking, she remains a disciplined presence in the field, evidenced by her contribution of a maiden over in a high-pressure environment.
Pitch:
The Basin Reserve in Wellington features a grass pitch known for good bounce and pace, making it bowler-friendly especially for pacers with the new ball under overcast skies. Teams bowling first have a slight edge historically, winning more often due to consistent carry throughout matches.
Weather:
Expects mild temperatures with daytime highs of 19-20°C and lows around 13-15°C. Conditions include about 8 hours of sunshine but with patchy rain or partly cloudy skies likely alongside moderate winds.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Nicole Baird, Maitlan Brown, Xara Jetley, Jess Kerr, Georgia Plimmer, Rebecca Burns, Lea Tahuhu, Missy Banks, Jodie Dean, Izzy Sharp, Gabby Sullivan
Match Details:
Date – January 19, 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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