The upcoming Women’s Super Smash 2025-26 clash between Canterbury Magicians and Otago Sparks carries heavy weight as both sides look to salvage their seasons. The Magicians comes into this fixture on a difficult run, currently sitting at the bottom of the table with seven losses from seven matches. Their last outing was another tough pill to swallow, leaving them stuck on just 2 points with a net run rate of -2.408. Meanwhile, the Sparks haven’t had it easy either; they currently sit in 5th place with 18 points from eight games. Their recent form has been patchy, with a mix of losses and a No Result in their last five outings, making this match a crucial opportunity for them to climb toward the middle of the pack.
Squads:
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
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
Players to watch out:
Izzy Sharp
Izzy has been a breath of fresh air for Canterbury Magicians this season, showing a real knack for finding the boundary early in her innings. Her standout performance was a brilliant 65* off 47 balls against Otago Sparks, where she anchored the team with six fours and two sixes. With 195 runs so far at a strike rate of 130, she has proven to be a vital top-order asset who can shift gears effortlessly when the situation demands.
Caitlin Blakely
Caitlin has once again been the backbone of Otago Sparks’ batting lineup, finishing as one of their most reliable run-scorers with 146 runs across the campaign. Her ability to stay calm under pressure was perfectly illustrated by her 36 against Wellington Blaze, a knock that included five well-timed boundaries. Averaging 24.33 this season, her experience in the middle order has been the stabilizing force the Sparks needed in several tight chases.
Melissa Banks
Melissa was a standout for the Magicians’ bowling unit, finishing the season as their joint-leading wicket-taker with 9 scalps. She proved to be a reliable strike option with her medium pace, often drying up the runs and maintaining a tidy economy while averaging 18.55 per wicket and is a vital cog for her unit as they go ahead into the tournament.
Louisa Kotkamp
In what has been a breakout season for the young Otago Sparks bowler, Louisa claimed 9 wickets at an impressive average of 19.77. Her best figures of 3 for 24 came in a dominant display against Central Hinds, where she completely disrupted their middle order. With a sharp strike rate of 14.25, she has quickly become one of the most effective wicket-taking threats for her side in the Powerplay and middle overs.
Pitch:
The pitch at Hagley Oval is a classic hit-the-deck surface that offers consistent bounce and carry. In limited-overs formats, it is a balanced track where batters find value for their shots once they adjust to the pace, while seamers enjoy early movement and zip. Spinners typically play a secondary role, finding more assistance in the dry, late-summer months.
Weather:
The forecast for Christchurch features light rain during both the day and night. Expect a high of 16°C and a low of 13°C, with a 40% chance of rain during the day rising to 75% at night. Winds will be from the northeast at 21 mph, with humidity around 77%.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Lea Tahuhu, Missy Banks, Jodie Dean, Izzy Sharp, Gabby Sullivan, Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Eva Gray, Laura Harris, Louisa Kotkamp, PJ Watkins
Match Details:
Date – January 21, 2026
Time – 6:40 AM IST
Venue – Hagley Oval, Christchurch, New Zealand
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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