As we approach match 23 of the 2025-26 Women’s Super Smash at Basin Reserve, the contrast between Wellington Blaze and Canterbury Magicians could not be starker. The game is scheduled to take place on January 19, 2026, starting at 5:10 am Indian Standard Time (IST).
Wellington Blaze currently sit comfortably at the top of the points table with 25 points from 8 matches, having achieved 5 wins and suffering only 2 losses. Their last outing ended in a loss against Otago Sparks, but their overall dominance is clear with a healthy net run rate of 0.888. On the other hand, the Canterbury Magicians are enduring a nightmare campaign, rooted to the bottom of the table after losing all 6 of their matches so far. With just 2 points to their name and a struggling NRR of -2.619, they are desperate for a turnaround against the league leaders.
Squads:
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
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
Players to watch out for:
Georgia Plimmer
Georgia Plimmer, a key figure in the Wellington Blaze top order, has provided consistent contributions throughout her 8 appearances this summer. He has totaled 172 runs with a best score of 62, playing a vital role in anchoring the innings for the league leaders. While he hasn’t relied on sixes, his ability to find space is evident in his limits of 25, and his reliability has helped keep the Blaze atop the points table.
Jess Kerr
The experienced Wellington Blaze spearhead has been incredibly effective this season, leading his team’s pace attack with 9 wickets in 8 games. She has been remarkably consistent, maintaining a bowling average of 22.22 and a strike rate of exactly 20.00, while also proving her worth as a true all-rounder. His batting has been a huge asset for the Blaze, specifically his quickfire 53 off 31 balls which underlined his ability to change the game with both the white ball and the bat.
Izzy Sharp
Izzy Sharp has become an outstanding power hitter for the Canterbury Magicians, currently ranking as the competition’s fourth-highest run-scorer. In 6 innings, she has amassed 194 runs at a healthy average of 38.80, highlighted by a dominant, unbeaten 65. What really sets her apart this season is her aggressiveness; She has cleared the ropes 6 times (the most of any player in the tournament so far) and maintains a strong strike rate of 131.08.
Melissa Banks
Melissa Banks, operating as the main bowling option for the Magicians, has taken 7 wickets in 6 matches with a best effort of 2/23. He has been tasked with bowling tough, maintaining an economy rate of 7.87 and often breaking dangerous partnerships in the middle stages. Beyond his ground-taking, he remains a disciplined presence on the field, as evidenced by his maiden contribution in a high-pressure environment.
Passed:
The Basin Reserve in Wellington features a grass pitch known for its good bounce and pace, making it suitable for bowlers, especially those playing with the new ball under cloudy skies. Historically, teams that bowl first have a slight advantage, winning more often due to consistent carry during matches.
Climate:
Mild temperatures are expected with daytime maximums of 19-20°C and minimums of around 13-15°C. Conditions include approximately 8 hours of sunshine, but likely with patchy showers or partly cloudy skies along with moderate winds.
Fantasy playing XI:
Nicole Baird, Maitlan Brown, Xara Jetley, Jess Kerr, Georgia Plimmer, Rebecca Burns, Lea Tahuhu, Missy Banks, Jodie Dean, Izzy Sharp, Gabby Sullivan
Match details:
Date – January 19, 2026
Time – 5:10 a.m. Eastern Time
Event – Basin Reserve, Wellington
Transmission – The game will be streamed live via the FanCode app and website.
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