The 2016-17 Women’s Super Smash winners, Otago Sparks, will take another shot at glory in the 2024-25 final, facing defending champions Wellington Blaze, who are set for their 8th straight final, on the 2nd of February 2025. The final will be held at Basin Reserve, Wellington, with live action set to commence at 5:10 PM IST.
Recent form:
Otago Sparks, who last won the championship in the 2016-17 season, had a losing start to this Super Smash season but bounced back with 5 consecutive wins to secure a spot in the knockouts. They then won two of their remaining four games, finishing at the top of the table with 28 points and earning a direct spot in the Final.
On the other hand, Wellington Blaze started their campaign with a hat-trick of wins and recovered from back-to-back losses with three consecutive wins. Although Blaze lost their penultimate league game and the last was abandoned due to rain, they triumphed in the Eliminator to secure their place in an 8th-straight final.
Head-to-head:
The Sparks and Blaze have faced each other twice this season, with the Sparks registering 7-wicket victories in both outings. In their first meeting, Melie Kerr and Jess Kerr starred, before Olivia Gain and Caitlin Blakely powered the Sparks to a win, chasing down 109. In the second match, Suzie Bates, Bella James, and Caitlin Blakely guided the Sparks to a comfortable win, successfully chasing 120.
Squads:
Otago Sparks
Suzie Bates, Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Anna Browning, Eden Carson, Olivia Gain, Kirstie Gordon, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Hayley Jensen (C), Molly Loe, Felicity Robertson, Poppy Jay Watkins
Wellington Blaze
Melie Kerr (C), Nicole Baird, Maitlan Brown, Rachel Bryant, Rebecca Burns, Natasha Codyre, Hannah Darlington, Caitlin King, Jess Kerr, Sam MacKinder, Jess McFadyen, Gemma Sims
Players to watch out:
Suzie Bates
The 37-year-old opening batter has accumulated 171 runs from 9 outings this Super Smash season, at a strike rate of 101.18, with the highest score of 50. While Suzie hasn’t had her best season by her standards, she will be looking to step up with a big knock in the Final, building on her recent starts of 26, 36, 8, and 15. Also handy with the ball, she can be relied upon for an all-round effort.
Eden Carson
The 23-year-old off-spinner at an average of 14.11 and an economy rate of 6.35, has scalped 18 wickets, including a best of 5/18, from 10 Smash outings this season, emerging as the leading wicket-taker. Although Eden has taken only 4 wickets in her last four games and had a couple of expensive outings, she should be backed to deliver her best in the final and provide crucial breakthroughs.
Melie Kerr
The 24-year-old all-rounder in this Super Smash season, has amassed 426 runs from 11 innings at an average of 71.00 and a strike rate of 110.93. She has also struck 13 wickets from 10 innings, maintaining an economy rate of 6.30. In her most recent outing, Melie produced a 4-wicket haul, and her previous four batting scores read 32*, 30, 68*, and 29. The seasoned all-rounder can be counted on for the goods.
Jess Kerr
The 27-year-old all-rounder has been in the 2024-25 Super Smash season, has racked up 323 runs at an average of 40.37 and a strike rate of 120.52 from 10 outings. She has also taken 13 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 5.25, with best figures of 61* and 4/11. Although Jess finished wicketless in her last 3 outings, she can be counted on to lead the wicket tally and contribute valuable with the bat.
Pitch:
The wicket at Basin Reserve provides a certain degree of assistance to the batters. Although it is a batting-friendly surface, the average score at the venue remains in the 130s, indicating the assistance for bowlers, particularly the pacers to exploit.
Weather:
The conditions in Wellington are forecasted to be pleasant for cricket, with no expected rain interruptions during the match. The temperature will be around 19°C, with moderate winds and a humidity level of 79%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Caitlin Blakely, Rebecca Burns, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Suzie Bates, Hayley Jensen, Maitlan Brown, Hannah Darlington, Eden Carson, Emma Black, Kirstie Gordon
Match details:
Date – February 02, 2025
Time – 5:10 AM IST
Venue – Basin Reserve, Wellington
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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