Related Articles
The grand finale of the Women’s Super Smash 2024-25 is here, featuring an exciting battle between Otago Sparks and Wellington Blaze. The Sparks have had an outstanding season, finishing at the top of the points table. They will be eager to claim their first title since the 2016-17 season. On the other hand, Wellington Blaze, the most successful team in the tournament’s history, aim for their ninth title after an impressive win in the Eliminator against Northern Brave Women.
Otago Sparks will take confidence from their two victories over Wellington Blaze earlier in the season, but history favors the Blaze, who have won eight of the last ten encounters. With the championship on the line, both teams will be highly motivated to deliver their best performance.
MATCH DETAILS
| Match | Otago Sparks vs Wellington Blaze, Women’s Super Smash 2024-25 Final |
|---|---|
| Date | February 1, 2025 |
| Time | 11:00 AM IST |
| Venue | Basin Reserve, Wellington |
| Live Streaming | FanCode, New Zealand Cricket YouTube |
TEAM PREVIEWS
Otago Sparks Preview
Otago Sparks have had a remarkable season, proving doubters wrong by topping the league standings. Under the leadership of Hayley Jensen, they have played consistent and fearless cricket. Winning both league matches against Wellington Blaze gives them an added psychological edge ahead of this crucial encounter.
Suzie Bates remains the backbone of their batting lineup, providing stability and experience at the top. Alongside her, Bella James has been in good touch, forming a solid opening combination. The middle order, featuring skipper Hayley Jensen, Olivia Gain, and Caitlin Blakely, has shown resilience and the ability to accelerate when needed. Polly Inglis has been a vital finisher, capable of playing crucial cameos in the death overs.
The bowling attack has been disciplined, with Hayley Jensen leading from the front. Emma Black has provided early breakthroughs, while Kirstie Gordon and Eden Carson have troubled batters with their accurate spin bowling. Anna Browning and Felicity Leydon-Davis add balance to the squad, offering both batting depth and handy overs in the middle.
With a solid all-round unit, Otago Sparks will be keen to overcome their historical struggles against Wellington Blaze and seize the trophy.
Key Players: Suzie Bates, Hayley Jensen, Kirstie Gordon, Emma Black
Otago Sparks Predicted Playing XI:
Hayley Jensen (c), Suzie Bates, Bella James, Olivia Gain, Caitlin Blakely, Polly Inglis (wk), Felicity Leydon-Davis, Anna Browning, Kirstie Gordon, Eden Carson, Emma Black
Wellington Blaze Preview
Wellington Blaze have once again shown why they are the most dominant side in Women’s Super Smash history. They entered the final in style, securing a clinical victory over Northern Brave Women in the Eliminator. Captain Amelia Kerr led from the front in that game and will be expected to deliver another standout performance in this crucial clash.
Amelia Kerr and Rebecca Burns have formed a reliable opening pair, setting the tone with aggressive starts. In the middle order, Jess Kerr and Maitlan Brown bring experience and composure, ensuring stability during crunch situations. Hannah Darlington and Caitlin King are valuable assets in the lower order, capable of finishing innings with impactful cameos.
On the bowling front, Jess Kerr and Maitlan Brown will spearhead the attack, looking to strike early against a strong Sparks batting lineup. Amelia Kerr’s brilliance with the ball will be crucial in controlling the middle overs, while the likes of Nicole Baird, Natasha Codyre, and Rachel Bryant provide depth and variety.
With a history of dominating this tournament, Wellington Blaze will be confident in their ability to lift their ninth title.
Key Players: Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Maitlan Brown, Rebecca Burns
Wellington Blaze Predicted Playing XI:
Amelia Kerr (c), Hannah Darlington, Rebecca Burns, Jess Kerr, Maitlan Brown, Jessica McFadyen (wk), Caitlin King, Sam Mackinder, Nicole Baird, Natasha Codyre, Rachel Bryant
FANTASY TEAM XI
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Suzie Bates | Batter |
| Amelia Kerr | All-rounder (Captain) |
| Jess Kerr | All-rounder |
| Hayley Jensen | All-rounder (Vice-Captain) |
| Rebecca Burns | Batter |
| Polly Inglis | Wicketkeeper |
| Bella James | Batter |
| Maitlan Brown | Bowler |
| Kirstie Gordon | Bowler |
| Eden Carson | Bowler |
| Emma Black | Bowler |
PITCH REPORT
The Basin Reserve in Wellington is traditionally known as a batting-friendly surface. The pitch allows batters to play their strokes freely, with good bounce and pace assisting stroke-making. Fast bowlers can extract movement in the early overs, while spinners may find success as the game progresses due to the large boundaries.
- Average First Innings Score: 140-150
- Chasing Teams’ Record: Slightly better success rate for teams chasing
Toss Prediction: Bowl First
With the trend favoring teams chasing, the captain winning the toss might opt to bowl first to exploit early bowling conditions and take advantage of the true bounce while chasing.
MATCH PREDICTION
Otago Sparks have been the standout team this season, but Wellington Blaze’s history in this tournament makes them strong contenders. The Sparks will have to overcome their poor record against the Blaze, but having already beaten them twice this season, they will be confident.
However, with more experience in high-pressure finals and a balanced squad, Wellington Blaze hold the edge in this clash.
Prediction: Wellington Blaze to win
CricketPandith Match Prediction Package
Per Match Charges: 1000 Rs/Match
Monthly Package: 5000 Rs/Month (Unlimited Match)
All International/League Match Prediction Available
Download Our Cricket Pandith Android App
