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The Women’s Super Smash Elimination Final is set to be an exciting clash between Wellington Blaze and Northern Brave at Basin Reserve, Wellington, this Saturday. The Blaze have had a fantastic season, finishing in second place with 26 points from 10 matches, while the Brave secured third place with 22 points.
The Blaze have already defeated the Brave once this season and have been the more consistent team overall. With a well-balanced squad featuring top all-rounders, Wellington Blaze will head into this match as the stronger side. However, Northern Brave are known for their fighting spirit and will be eager to turn the tables in this knockout encounter.
Match Details
| Match | Wellington Blaze vs Northern Brave, Women’s Super Smash Eliminator Final |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Saturday, 3rd February 2025, 3:00 PM Local Time |
| Venue | Basin Reserve, Wellington |
| Competition | Women’s Super Smash 2024-25 |
| Weather | Partly cloudy, slight chance of evening showers, windy conditions |
| Toss Prediction | To bowl first (Basin Reserve favors chasing teams) |
Team Previews
Wellington Blaze Preview
Wellington Blaze have been among the most consistent teams in the Women’s Super Smash, securing six wins from their ten matches. Their balanced squad, featuring a mix of experienced and young players, has kept them in strong contention for the title.
Skipper Amelia Kerr has been the team’s backbone, scoring 397 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 110.27. Jess Kerr has provided middle-order stability with 299 runs in nine innings, while Rebecca Burns has played key roles at the top, ensuring solid starts.
In the bowling department, Jess Kerr has been outstanding, picking up 13 wickets at an economy of 5.11. Amelia Kerr and Xara Jetly have collectively taken 17 wickets, ensuring that the Blaze maintain control in the middle overs.
With their strong batting lineup and effective bowling unit, Wellington Blaze are well-equipped to secure a place in the final.
Key Players: Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rebecca Burns
Wellington Blaze Predicted Playing XI
- Amelia Kerr (c)
- Rebecca Burns
- Maitlan Brown
- Jess Kerr
- Hannah Darlington
- Jessica McFadyen (wk)
- Caitlin King
- Sam Mackinder
- Xara Jetly
- Nicole Baird
- Natasha Codyre
Northern Brave Preview
Northern Brave have had a competitive season, winning four matches and displaying resilience throughout. Their journey has been up and down, but they managed to recover and earn a place in this crucial Eliminator match.
Their most consistent performer has been Chamari Athapaththu, who has amassed 219 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 134.35. Jess Watkin, their captain, has chipped in with 183 runs in eight innings at an impressive strike rate of 138, while Caitlin Gurrey has provided a stable anchor in the middle order with 196 runs in eight innings.
Athapaththu has been a game-changer with the ball as well, claiming 15 wickets at an economy rate of 5.48. Marama Downes and Jess Watkin have supported her well, making Northern Brave’s bowling attack well-rounded and competitive.
However, they will need to find a way to break their losing streak against the Blaze, whom they have failed to defeat in the last three completed meetings.
Key Players: Chamari Athapaththu, Jess Watkin, Caitlin Gurrey
Northern Brave Predicted Playing XI
- Jess Watkin (c)
- Chamari Athapaththu
- Caitlin Gurrey
- Nensi Patel
- Marina Lamplough
- Sam Curtis
- Amanda-Jade Wellington
- Holly Topp (wk)
- Carol Agafili
- Marama Downes
- Shriya Naidu
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Amelia Kerr (C) | All-Rounder |
| Chamari Athapaththu (VC) | All-Rounder |
| Jess Kerr | All-Rounder |
| Jess Watkin | Batsman |
| Rebecca Burns | Batsman |
| Caitlin Gurrey | Batsman |
| Nensi Patel | Bowler |
| Amanda-Jade Wellington | Bowler |
| Marama Downes | Bowler |
| Caitlin King | All-Rounder |
| Jessica McFadyen (WK) | Wicketkeeper |
(Captain: Amelia Kerr, Vice-Captain: Chamari Athapaththu)
Pitch Report & Weather Conditions
Weather Conditions
The weather in Wellington is expected to be partly cloudy with breezy conditions. There is a small chance of rain in the evening, which might affect the later part of the match.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Basin Reserve, Wellington, has good bounce and carry, making it helpful for fast bowlers early on. However, as the game progresses, batters can take advantage of the quick outfield.
- Average First Innings Score: 135 runs (Women’s domestic T20s)
- Highest Total at Venue (2024-25 Season): Wellington Blaze’s 171/3 vs Canterbury Women
- Best Strategy: Chasing teams have historically performed better here, so the team winning the toss is likely to bowl first.
Toss Prediction: To bowl first
Both teams might prefer chasing, given the records at Basin Reserve favoring teams batting second.
Winning Prediction
Wellington Blaze have been the superior team throughout the season, finishing second in the league stage. While Northern Brave have had moments of brilliance, they have struggled to get past the Blaze in recent encounters.
With Amelia Kerr and Jess Kerr in outstanding form, and their bowling attack functioning efficiently, Wellington Blaze are the favorites to advance to the final.
Prediction: Wellington Blaze to win the Eliminator Final.
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