The Women’s Super Smash League final on January 31, 2026, at Christchurch delivered a fitting end to the season as Wellington Blaze clinched their 10th title with a composed five wicket victory over Auckland Hearts. After winning the toss, Auckland Hearts opted to bat first, hoping to put scoreboard pressure in a high-stake final, but Wellington Blaze’s disciplined bowling ensured the target remained within reach.
Auckland’s innings was built on steady contributions rather than one defining knock. Isabella Gaze gave them early momentum with a brisk 31 off 22 balls, striking six boundaries and setting a positive tone at the top. Prue Catton and skipper Maddy Green tried to consolidate, adding useful runs in the middle, but both struggled to fully dominate the Wellington attack.
Green’s 29 off 28 balls anchored the innings briefly, while Brooke Halliday added late runs with a well-paced 31 from 25 deliveries. Bella Armstrong and Lauren Down chipped 13* and 16 runs respectively towards the end, helping Auckland Hearts reach 146 for 5 in their 20 overs, a total that felt competitive but not imposing on a good batting surface.
Wellington’s bowlers shared the workload effectively, preventing Auckland from breaking free. Xara Jetly stood out with two wickets, while Jess Kerr, Jessica Simmons, and Nicole Baird got one wicket each. The consistent lines and sharp fielding ensured Auckland were always kept in check, particularly during the death overs when acceleration was needed most.
Chasing 147 in a final is never straightforward, but Wellington approached the task with clarity and calm. Georgia Plimmer and Rebecca Burns gave them a solid start, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries. Burns played a crucial knock, scoring 55 off 41 balls, mixing composure with timely aggression to keep the chase on track. Her dismissal could have swung momentum Auckland’s way, but Wellington captain Jess Kerr ensured there were no late nerves.
Kerr led from the front with an outstanding unbeaten 46 off just 26 balls, showcasing excellent game awareness and power hitting under pressure. Her innings included five boundaries and two sixes, and she timed her acceleration perfectly once the target came within sight. Despite a brief wobble with wickets falling in the middle overs, Wellington never lost control of the required run rate. Support from Jessica McFadyen helped the team finish on 149 for 5 in 19.5 overs.
Auckland’s bowlers fought hard to defend the total, with Molly Penfold impressing by conceding just 14 runs while taking two wickets. Bree Illing and Bella Armstrong also picked up a wicket each, but the lack of a larger total ultimately hurt Auckland in the decisive moments.
In the end, Wellington Women’s balanced performance, highlighted by Burns’ stability and Kerr’s match winning leadership, proved decisive. Their five-wicket win crowned them champions and capped off a memorable Women’s Super Smash season with a final that blended pressure, skill, and composure.
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