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The 2024/25 Women’s Super Smash continues with an exciting clash on New Year’s Day as Northern Brave Women take on defending champions Wellington Blaze Women at Seddon Park, Hamilton. Northern Brave are looking for a fresh start after their opening game against Auckland Hearts ended in a rain-affected no-result. Meanwhile, Wellington Blaze will aim to begin their title defense with a convincing win, showcasing the dominance that crowned them champions last season.
Match Details
| Fixture | Northern Brave Women vs Wellington Blaze Women |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, 1st January 2025 |
| Venue | Seddon Park, Hamilton |
| Time | 3:00 PM Local / 2:00 AM GMT |
Teams Preview
Northern Brave Women
Northern Brave had a rocky start to the season, with their first game being a rain-shortened affair. In the 12 overs they faced, the team struggled to find momentum, losing seven wickets and failing to post a significant score. Improvements with the bat will be crucial for them to challenge the Blaze in this fixture.
Caitlin Gurrey and Eve Wolland, who top-scored with 15 runs each in the previous game, will need to step up and anchor the innings. While the batting lineup appears thin on paper, the team’s bowling unit is their strength. Australian leg-spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington will lead the attack, coming into this match with the potential to trouble the Blaze’s batting order.
Key Players: Amanda-Jade Wellington, Caitlin Gurrey, Eve Wolland
Predicted Playing XI:
Jess Watkin (c), Tash Wakelin, Yasmeen Kareem, Caitlin Gurrey, Nensi Patel, Eve Wolland, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Holly Topp (wk), Carol Agafili, Marama Downes, Shriya Naidu
Wellington Blaze Women
Wellington Blaze comes into this match as the team to beat, armed with the confidence of defending their title. The team features several White Ferns stars, including Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr, who were integral to New Zealand’s T20 World Cup victory. This blend of experience and form makes them strong contenders in this match.
With the bat, Sophie Devine, Georgia Plimmer, and Amelia Kerr will be tasked with scoring briskly, while Leigh Kasperek adds depth in the middle order. The Blaze’s bowling attack, led by Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, and Devine, offers a mix of pace and spin, making them a formidable unit to face.
Key Players: Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr
Predicted Playing XI:
Sophie Devine, Rebecca Burns, Amelia Kerr (c), Georgia Plimmer, Leigh Kasperek, Kate Chandler, Jess Kerr, Jessica McFadyen (wk), Natasha Codyre, Nicole Baird, Xara Jetly
Fantasy Team XI
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Sophie Devine (c) | All-rounder |
| Amelia Kerr (vc) | All-rounder |
| Caitlin Gurrey | Batter |
| Georgia Plimmer | Batter |
| Jess Watkin | Batter |
| Amanda-Jade Wellington | Bowler |
| Jess Kerr | Bowler |
| Leigh Kasperek | All-rounder |
| Holly Topp (wk) | Wicketkeeper |
| Eve Wolland | All-rounder |
| Natasha Codyre | Bowler |
Pitch Report
Seddon Park offers an early advantage for bowlers, particularly seamers, as there is often some moisture in the surface. Timing the ball through the in-field may prove challenging during the initial stages, but conditions improve as the match progresses.
- Average First Innings Score: 120-130 runs
- Toss Prediction: Winning the toss, both teams are likely to bowl first to exploit early movement and capitalize on improved batting conditions later in the game.
Weather Conditions
The weather in Hamilton is expected to be cool, with temperatures hovering around 20°C. Cloud cover is anticipated, but there is no significant rain forecast, ensuring a full game.
Winning Prediction
Wellington Blaze’s combination of seasoned players and recent success makes them the favorites in this match. Northern Brave has the talent but lacks the depth and experience to outplay the defending champions in such a high-pressure game.
Predicted Winner: Wellington Blaze Women
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