In the 26th match of the Women’s Super Smash 2025/26 season, Auckland Hearts will take on Northern Brave at Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland. The Hearts are currently seated at the 3rd position in the table with 4 wins from 8 games and one game being called off. Maddy Green will be pleased about the way her side has performed in the season so far, despite their batting collapse in the last match. In the upcoming feature against Northern Brave, here are the top 3 players to look out for:
Maddy Green
Maddy Green, the skipper, has been their best all-rounder this season with consistent performances with both bat and ball. In her T20I career, she has scored 1193 runs from 92 innings and she has also picked up just the solitary wicket from 2 innings. She took an important 3-wicket haul against Canterbury Magicians, and she has been at the top of her game. Green will have to lead the side with her performance as well, to create some inspiration and draw better results in the upcoming games to cement a spot in the top two.
Bree Illing
Bree Illing has been one of the best bowlers for Auckland Hearts and she has been a key component of their bowling unit. She has taken 23 wickets in 32 matches across her Women’s Super Smash career with Auckland Hearts, at an economy rate of 6.29. In her T20I career, she has picked up 2 wickets at an economy of just 7. She debuted in 2025 for her national side and she could be a consistent starter in the squad with some more good performances. She is a crucial bowler for her side, and she will need to keep delivering on a regular basis to ensure that her side competes for the title.
Bella Armstrong
Bella Armstrong has been the complete all-rounder for the Hearts as she has scored 137 runs in 7 innings along with 5 wickets. She has played for New Zealand in just one T20I in 2023 and has never made an appearance ever since. Armstrong has the ability to bowl in crucial phases of the game, and she can change the momentum single-handedly. She also has the ability to provide some crucial quickfire runs towards the end of the innings. Armstrong will be a key player for the Auckland Hearts considering her role in both the bowling and batting unit.
Loves all things female cricket