The Women’s Super Smash 2025-26 Eliminator saw Auckland Hearts make a massive statement, securing their spot in the Grand Final with a clinical eight-wicket victory over Northern Brave.
Played at the iconic Hagley Oval in Christchurch, the match was a tale of two halves. While the Brave struggled to find any real rhythm after winning the toss and electing to bat, the Hearts looked in complete control from the first ball. It was a professional, high-stakes performance from the Hearts that saw them chase down a target of 139 with relative ease and two of balls to spare.
Northern Brave innings never quite got the launchpad they were looking for. Despite opting to set a total, they were met with a disciplined Auckland bowling attack that gave away very little. Wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing any one batter from truly taking the game away. By the time the final wicket fell at the 19.5-over mark, the Brave had scratched their way to 138 all out.
It was a fighting total, but on a Christchurch deck that usually offers something for the batters, it felt about 15-20 runs short of where they needed to be to put real pressure on the Hearts. Nensi Patel (46 runs off 43 balls) and Jess Watkin (31 runs off 22 balls) were the only batters who put up some score on the board and helped the Brave reach a total and gave something for the bowlers to bowl to.
Auckland’s captain, Maddy Green, was the absolute architect of the collapse. Leading from the front, Green delivered a masterclass in T20 bowling, finishing with superb figures of 4 for 21. She was expertly supported by Amie Hucker, who kept the pressure on from the other end to claim 3 for 28. Between the two of them, they accounted for 70% of the Brave’s lineup, effectively breaking the back of the Northern Brave’s middle order just as they were looking to accelerate.
When it came time for the chase, the Hearts showed why they’ve been the clutch team of the season. They didn’t panic or try to over-hit the ball; instead, they relied on steady, sensible partnerships. The chase was anchored by a standout performance from Prue Catton, who played the role of the stabilizer to perfection. Catton remained unbeaten on 56 from 57 deliveries, a knock that included seven boundaries. While opener Izzy Wong fell for 14 (7), Maddy Green added 28 off 23 balls to keep the scorecard ticking.
While opener Catton held one end, the rest of the top order provided the necessary sparks to keep the momentum moving. Brooke Halliday was particularly effective in the latter stages, chipping in with a composed 33 not out off 32 balls. The pair’s unbeaten partnership essentially sucked the life out of the Brave’s defense. Despite the best efforts of Nensi Patel, who was the pick of the Brave bowlers with 1 for 19, the Brave simply didn’t have enough runs on the board to force a mistake.
Auckland reached the target of 139 for the loss of just two wickets, crossing the finish line in the final over (19.4). It was the kind of comprehensive win that sends a message ahead of the Final. After a season that required them to fight tooth and nail just to make the playoffs—including a must-win bonus-point victory in their final group game—the Hearts are now playing with the kind of freedom and confidence that makes them look very dangerous heading into the big one.
With this victory, Auckland Hearts have punched their ticket to the Grand Final, where they will face defending champions Wellington Blaze. For the Brave, it was a disappointing end to a season where they had shown glimpses of brilliance, but they ultimately couldn’t find an answer for Maddy Green’s bowling or Prue Catton’s resilience. The stage is now set for a blockbuster finale at Christchurch as the Hearts look to complete their underdog journey with a trophy.
Loves all things female cricket