In the Eliminator of the Women’s Super Smash of the 2025-26 season, Northern Brave will take on Auckland Hearts at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. The Brave have been in fine form in the league phase, as they are unbeaten in the last 4 games. They will be looking to go through to the final with a lot at stake and Auckland Hearts are also coming off a solid victory. Here are the top 3 players to look out for Northern Brave against Auckland Hearts:
Jess Watkin
Jess Watkin, the New Zealand international, has been one of the standout players in this season of the Super Smash. In her T20I career, she has scored 118 runs and picked up 7 wickets from 9 matches. She has picked up 8 wickets and scored 146 runs in her campaign so far. She got off to a powerful start last time out with a quickfire 23 off 11 balls and she also picked up a wicket in her bowling spell. The skipper will be looking to step up her game in the knockout fixture.
Marama Downes
Marama Downes, the New Zealand bowler, has been quite the performer for her side in this edition of the Super Smash, displaying her ability to pick wickets and contain runs in crucial situations. She has picked up 15 wickets at an economical rate in this season so far and she has delivered a couple of match-winning spells. She picked up 2 wickets against Canterbury Magicians in her previous encounter. She will be looking to lead the bowling unit against a brilliant Auckland Hearts’ batting unit.
Nensi Patel
Nensi Patel, the New Zealand all-rounder, has been decent for Northern Brave in this season, with good contributions with both bat and ball. She has been quite the batter in the domestic circuit as she provides stability to the middle order and also can provide a couple of overs in the middle. She has scored 157 runs and has picked up 9 wickets in this season. She also scored a match-winning half century against Canterbury Magicians in their last match. She will be looking to contribute efficiently with the bat in the coming important games as well.
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