Who Will Win Auckland Hearts vs Wellington Blaze Final T20 2026 Match Prediction
The Auckland Hearts vs Wellington Blaze prediction for the Final of the Women’s Super Smash 2025–26 sets the stage for a thrilling title clash between two of the most consistent teams of the season. Scheduled to be played on Saturday, 31 January 2026, at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch, this grand finale promises high-quality cricket and intense pressure moments. Cricketwebs provide 100% match prediction tips for every cricket match, and this final is expected to be a fitting end to an exciting tournament.
Wellington Blaze enter the final as table-toppers, having won seven of their nine league matches. Their dominance throughout the group stage was built on disciplined bowling and reliable top-order batting. With players like Georgia Plimmer and Xara Jetly delivering match-winning performances consistently, Wellington have looked like a complete unit. Captain Jess Kerr will be keen for her side to maintain composure and execute plans efficiently in this all-important encounter.
Auckland Hearts, on the other hand, come into the final with strong momentum after a comprehensive win over Northern Districts Women in the Eliminator. That victory highlighted their ability to rise to the occasion in knockout games. Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, and Prue Catton were instrumental with the bat, while Molly Penfold led a clinical bowling effort. Auckland’s balanced squad and confidence from the Eliminator win make them a serious threat in this final.
Hagley Oval generally offers assistance to bowlers early on, with batting becoming easier once players settle. A total in excess of 145–150 could prove decisive in a final. Considering recent form, squad balance, and momentum, this Auckland Hearts vs Wellington Blaze prediction slightly favours Auckland Hearts, though Wellington Blaze’s consistency ensures a closely fought contest.
Match Details
| Match | AH vs WB, Final T20 |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, 31 January 2026 |
| Time | 6:40 AM |
| Venue | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| Tournament | Women’s Super Smash 2025–26 |
Team Preview
Wellington Blaze Preview
Wellington Blaze have been the most consistent side in the tournament, finishing the league stage comfortably at the top with seven wins from nine matches. Their success has been built around a strong bowling unit and dependable batting performances at the top of the order. Captain Jess Kerr has marshalled her resources effectively and will be aiming to lift the trophy with another composed performance.
Georgia Plimmer has been Wellington’s standout batter, scoring 224 runs in 10 outings and providing stability at the top. Rebecca Burns and Hannah Francis have chipped in with valuable contributions, while Xara Jetly has been the key all-rounder, impacting games with both bat and ball. Jetly’s ability to score runs in the middle overs and strike regularly with the ball makes her one of the most valuable players in the competition.
Bowling has been Wellington’s biggest strength. Xara Jetly leads the wicket charts for the team with 14 wickets at an excellent economy of 5.88. She is well supported by Jess Kerr, Jessica Simmons, and Nicola Baird, who have consistently applied pressure in all phases of the innings. If Wellington can restrict Auckland’s strong middle order early, they will give themselves a solid chance of clinching the title.
Auckland Hearts Preview
Auckland Hearts have peaked at the right time in the tournament, delivering a dominant performance in the Eliminator against Northern Districts Women to book their place in the final. That win showcased their batting depth, discipline with the ball, and calmness under pressure—qualities essential in a championship match.
The batting unit is led by Brooke Halliday, the leading run-scorer of the tournament with 275 runs in 10 innings. Her consistency in anchoring and accelerating the innings has been crucial. Openers Prue Catton and Isabella Gaze provide solid starts, while captain Maddy Green and Lauren Down bring experience and composure to the middle order. Auckland’s batting depth allows them to recover even if early wickets fall.
In bowling, Auckland boast one of the strongest attacks in the competition. Molly Penfold has been exceptional, picking up 15 wickets in 10 innings and leading the wicket charts for the team. She is supported by Amie Hucker, Bree Illing, and Brooke Halliday, all capable of taking wickets at key moments. With both form and momentum on their side, Auckland Hearts look well-equipped to challenge Wellington Blaze in this final.
Team Squads
Wellington Blaze Squad:
Jess Kerr, Jessica McFayden, Georgia Plimmer, Xara Jetly, Jessica Simmons, Nicola Baird, Rachel Bryant, Hannah Francis, Rebecca Burns, Isla McKenzie, Sam Mackinder
Auckland Hearts Squad:
Maddy Green, Prue Catton, Isabella Gaze, Brooke Halliday, Lauren Down, Josie Penfold, Bella Armstrong, Amie Hucker, Molly Penfold, Ayaan Lambat, Bree Illing
Probable Playing XI
| Wellington Blaze | Auckland Hearts |
|---|---|
| Jess Kerr (C) | Maddy Green (C) |
| Jessica McFayden (WK) | Prue Catton |
| Georgia Plimmer | Isabella Gaze (WK) |
| Xara Jetly | Brooke Halliday |
| Rebecca Burns | Lauren Down |
| Hannah Francis | Josie Penfold |
| Jessica Simmons | Bella Armstrong |
| Nicola Baird | Amie Hucker |
| Rachel Bryant | Molly Penfold |
| Isla McKenzie | Ayaan Lambat |
| Sam Mackinder | Bree Illing |
Favourite Team Today – Auckland Hearts (Why?)
Auckland Hearts start as favourites in this final due to their strong momentum, balanced squad, and recent dominant performance in the Eliminator. Their batting lineup is deeper, with multiple players capable of anchoring or accelerating the innings. Brooke Halliday’s exceptional form gives Auckland a reliable backbone, while Maddy Green’s leadership adds stability in pressure moments.
Additionally, Auckland’s bowling attack, led by Molly Penfold, has been the most effective in the competition, consistently taking wickets and controlling run flow. In knockout matches, teams with strong bowling depth often hold the edge, and Auckland tick that box convincingly. In this Auckland Hearts vs Wellington Blaze prediction, Auckland’s recent form and all-round balance slightly tilt the contest in their favour.
Pitch Report
Hagley Oval, Christchurch generally offers a balanced surface. Early morning conditions assist seam bowlers with movement and bounce, while batting becomes easier once players settle. Spinners can play a role in the middle overs if they bowl tight lines. In women’s T20 matches, a first-innings total of around 145–155 is competitive at this venue. Teams that bowl with discipline and avoid loose deliveries often succeed here, especially in high-pressure finals.
Weather Report
Christchurch is expected to have cool and clear conditions on match day. Temperatures will range between 17–20°C, with minimal chances of rain, ensuring an uninterrupted final.
Broadcast Details
The Auckland Hearts vs Wellington Blaze Final T20 will be streamed live on FanCode, providing complete digital coverage of the match.
Toss Prediction
Winning the toss could be crucial in a final. Teams may prefer to bat first and post a competitive total. Toss Winner Prediction: Auckland Hearts.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
Probable Batter: Brooke Halliday and Georgia Plimmer are the key batters to watch. Halliday’s consistency and ability to control innings make her Auckland’s biggest strength, while Plimmer’s form at the top gives Wellington solid starts.
Probable Bowler: Molly Penfold is expected to be Auckland’s main wicket-taker, given her outstanding season. For Wellington Blaze, Xara Jetly remains the biggest threat with her ability to strike in the middle overs and keep runs in check.
Match Prediction
Considering recent momentum, bowling strength, and balance across departments, Auckland Hearts hold a slight edge in this final. Wellington Blaze’s consistency makes this a close contest, but Auckland’s knockout experience could prove decisive.
Our Winner Prediction: Auckland Hearts Will Win.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
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