For Match 27 of the Women’s Super Smash 2025-26, we are looking at a classic, Canterbury Magicians against Wellington Blaze. The Blaze arrives as the undisputed heavyweights of the competition, sitting comfortably at the top of the table with 29 points and a clinical record of six wins from nine games. On the flip side, the Magicians have endured a bruising summer; they currently occupy the bottom spot with only two points to their name. However, the Magicians will take some heart from their most recent outing, where they finally broke their dry spell with a dominant nine-wicket win over Otago Sparks, proving they still have plenty of fight left as the tournament reaches its business end.
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
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:
Kate Anderson
As a cornerstone of Canterbury Magicians’ batting lineup, Kate has shown great consistency throughout the 8 innings she has played so far. She has accumulated 172 runs, anchored by a solid top score of 66 not out and an average of 24.57. Her ability to hold the innings together while finding the boundary 22 times has provided the necessary stability at the top of the order for her team.
Sarah Asmussen
Sarah has continued to be a tricky customer for batters to read, leading the spin attack for the Magicians with her leg-breaks. In 8 matches, she has claimed 8 wickets at an average of 22.75, with her best figures of 2/14 coming in a very disciplined spell. Despite the high-scoring nature of some games, she has kept things relatively tight with an economy of 7.28, often providing breakthroughs when the team needs them most.
Xara Jetly
Xara has been in exceptional form with the ball, currently sitting as one of the joint-highest wicket-takers in the competition with 13 scalps from 9 innings. Her efficiency is what stands out, as she maintains a sharp average of 13.46 and a strike rate of 14.15, ensuring she is a constant threat throughout the middle overs. She has been incredibly reliable for the Blaze, consistently delivering breakthroughs with her best effort being a clinical 3/21.
Jess Kerr
Jess Kerr has truly evolved into a genuine all-rounder for the Blaze, adding significant depth to their middle order. She finished the league stage as one of the tournament’s top performers, amassing 164 runs at a crisp strike rate of 121.48. Her season was highlighted by a crucial half-century where she struck 53 runs against the Canterbury Magicians, helping set up a commanding total for her side. This increased output with the bat, combined with her ability to pick wickets, has made her much more than just a frontline swing bowler.
Pitch:
Hagley Oval is a classic true wicket offering significant pace and bounce, which heavily favors seamers who can hit the deck hard. While early movement is expected for the fast bowlers, the surface typically flattens out into a high-scoring batting paradise as the game progresses.
Weather:
Christchurch will see light rain with a high of 19°C and a low of 11°C. There is a 20% chance of rain during the day, increasing to 35% at night, with a steady 11 mph southwest wind.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Kate Anderson, Sarah Asmussen, Missy Banks, Izzy Sharp, Gabby Sullivan, Nicole Baird, Maitlan Brown, Xara Jetley, Jess Kerr, Georgia Plimmer, Rebecca Burns
Match Details:
Date – January 23, 2026
Time – 6:40 AM IST
Venue – Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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