Northern Knights vs Wellington Firebirds Prediction: Who Will Win NK vs WF 16th T20 Super Smash Match?
The Northern Knights vs Wellington Firebirds prediction for the 16th T20 of the Super Smash 2025–26 sets up a high-pressure contest at Basin Reserve, Wellington, on Sunday, 11th January 2026. With the league phase reaching a critical juncture, both teams are desperate for points, but they arrive with contrasting momentum. Wellington Firebirds, the hosts, are rooted at the bottom of the table with just one win from six matches and are staring at the possibility of a hat-trick of home losses. Northern Knights, meanwhile, sit just above them and appear to have rediscovered form with the bat and ball in recent outings.
The Firebirds have struggled to convert individual brilliance into team success. Despite boasting experienced names such as Tom Blundell, Rachin Ravindra, and Logan van Beek, Wellington have repeatedly faltered at key moments, particularly at home, where they have lost all three matches this season. Batting collapses and inconsistent bowling spells have left them chasing games rather than controlling them.
Northern Knights, on the other hand, come into this match with renewed confidence. Their batting unit has clicked in recent games, posting imposing totals and backing it up with disciplined bowling. The variety in their attack and depth in the middle order has given them an edge over struggling opponents. With head-to-head history also favouring the Knights, the Northern Knights vs Wellington Firebirds prediction leans towards the visitors, although Wellington’s desperation and home familiarity could still make this a competitive contest.
- Wellington Firebirds have lost all three home matches this season
- Northern Knights have bounced back strongly with the bat in recent games
- Head-to-head record slightly favours Northern Knights
- Firebirds need a complete team performance to avoid another defeat
Match Details
| Match | Northern Knights vs Wellington Firebirds, 16th T20 |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, 11 January 2026 |
| Time | 8:55 AM IST |
| Venue | Basin Reserve, Wellington |
| Tournament | Super Smash 2025–26 |
Team Previews
Northern Knights Preview
Northern Knights have shown encouraging signs of recovery after a slow start to their Super Smash campaign. While they remain in the lower half of the table, recent performances suggest a team finding rhythm at the right time. Their batting lineup, in particular, has begun to fire, giving them confidence ahead of this clash against a struggling Wellington side.
At the top, Katene D Clarke and Brett Hampton have emerged as a reliable opening pair. Their 100-plus partnership in the previous match laid the foundation for a massive total, highlighting their ability to dominate powerplay overs. Xavier Bell has added significant firepower in the middle order, exemplified by his blistering unbeaten 53 off just 21 balls. Captain Ben Pomare provides stability and flexibility, capable of adjusting his role based on match situations.
The bowling unit is where Northern Knights truly stand out. Scott Kuggeleijn brings experience and aggression, while Matthew Fisher has been effective with the new ball, consistently striking early. Tim Pringle and Brett Hampton offer spin and medium-pace options that allow the Knights to adapt to different phases of the innings. This variety makes them particularly dangerous against a Wellington batting order that has struggled under pressure.
Northern Knights’ key challenge will be maintaining discipline, especially at a venue like Basin Reserve where conditions can favour batters once set. If their bowlers can remove Wellington’s top order early, the Knights will firmly control the contest.
Wellington Firebirds Preview
Wellington Firebirds are enduring a frustrating Super Smash season, currently sitting at the bottom of the table with just one win from six matches. Despite having a squad packed with talent, the Firebirds have failed to put together a complete performance, particularly at home.
The batting lineup has shown flashes of promise. Openers Tim Robinson and Tom Blundell have both registered fifties in recent games, while Rachin Ravindra and Muhammad Abbas add depth and class to the middle order. However, Wellington’s problem has been consistency—individual contributions have not translated into match-winning totals. The lower order, featuring Logan van Beek and Callum McLachlan, has the ability to score quickly, but they are often left with too much to do.
Bowling has been equally inconsistent. Ben Sears and Logan van Beek have produced moments of brilliance but lacked sustained pressure. Peter Younghusband and James Hartshorn offer support, while Rachin Ravindra’s part-time spin adds variety. Still, Wellington have struggled to defend totals, especially on batting-friendly surfaces.
For Wellington Firebirds to turn their season around, they need early wickets and a solid batting partnership that sets the tone. Against a confident Northern Knights side, anything less than a disciplined all-round effort could result in another disappointing home defeat.
Also Check: Super Smash 2025-26: Points Table, Most Runs & Most Wickets
Team Squads
Northern Knights Squad:
Katene D Clarke, Brett Hampton, Henry Cooper, Xavier Bell, Ben Pomare, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tim Pringle, Fergus Lellman, Ollie White, Joshua Brown, Matthew Fisher
Wellington Firebirds Squad:
Tim Robinson, Tom Blundell, Rachin Ravindra, Muhammad Abbas, Jesse Tashkoff, Callum McLachlan, Logan van Beek, Peter Younghusband, James Hartshorn, Ben Sears, Yahya Zeb
Probable Playing XI
| Northern Knights | Wellington Firebirds |
|---|---|
| Katene D Clarke | Tim Robinson |
| Brett Hampton | Tom Blundell (c) |
| Henry Cooper | Rachin Ravindra |
| Xavier Bell | Muhammad Abbas |
| Ben Pomare (c/wk) | Jesse Tashkoff |
| Scott Kuggeleijn | Callum McLachlan (wk) |
| Tim Pringle | Logan van Beek |
| Fergus Lellman | Peter Younghusband |
| Ollie White | James Hartshorn |
| Joshua Brown | Ben Sears |
| Matthew Fisher | Yahya Zeb |
Northern Knights vs Wellington Firebirds Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Katene D Clarke, Brett Hampton, Tim Robinson |
| All-rounders | Scott Kuggeleijn, Rachin Ravindra, Logan van Beek |
| Wicketkeeper | Tom Blundell |
| Bowlers | Matthew Fisher, Ben Sears, Tim Pringle, Joshua Brown |
For fantasy contests, Northern Knights offer better value due to their recent form. Katene D Clarke and Brett Hampton are strong batting picks, given their opening partnership and ability to exploit the powerplay. Xavier Bell is a high-risk, high-reward option for those seeking differential points. From Wellington, Tom Blundell remains a safe pick due to his role and experience, while Rachin Ravindra provides dual value as an all-rounder.
In bowling, Scott Kuggeleijn and Matthew Fisher are must-picks from Northern Knights, given their wicket-taking ability. Ben Sears remains Wellington’s best bowling option despite the team’s struggles.
Captain Options: Scott Kuggeleijn, Rachin Ravindra
Vice-Captain Options: Katene D Clarke, Tom Blundell
Players to Avoid: Fergus Lellman, Jesse Tashkoff
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today
Northern Knights are the favourites in today’s match due to their superior recent form and balanced squad. Their batting lineup has clicked at the right time, while the bowling attack offers greater variety and consistency compared to Wellington Firebirds. The Firebirds’ poor home record and inability to string together complete performances further tilt the balance in favour of the Knights. If Northern Knights can strike early and put pressure on Wellington’s fragile middle order, they are well placed to control the match from start to finish.
Northern Knights T20 History
| Matches | Wins | Losses | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | 96 | 88 | 16 |
Wellington Firebirds T20 History
| Matches | Wins | Losses | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 194 | 86 | 88 | 20 |
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches | NK Won | WF Won | NR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 21 | 15 | 3 |
Northern Knights have historically enjoyed the upper hand against Wellington Firebirds, winning 21 of their 39 encounters. This edge adds further confidence for the visitors heading into this match.
Pitch Report
The Basin Reserve pitch generally offers good bounce and carry, especially early in the innings. Seamers can extract movement with the new ball, while batters who spend time at the crease can score freely later. As the match progresses, stroke play becomes easier, making chasing slightly favourable. A first-innings score around 150–160 is considered competitive in men’s T20s at this venue.
Weather Report
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 22–27°C |
| Rain Chance | Low |
| Wind | Light breeze |
Clear weather is expected in Wellington with minimal chance of rain. Mild temperatures and light winds should provide ideal conditions for a full match without interruptions.
Broadcast Details
The Northern Knights vs Wellington Firebirds match will be broadcast live on SonyLiv, Sony Sports TEN Network, and streamed digitally on FanCode, offering comprehensive coverage of the Super Smash 2025–26.
Toss Prediction
Teams at Basin Reserve often prefer bowling first to exploit early movement and chase under known conditions. Wellington Firebirds are slightly favoured to win the toss and opt to field.
Score Prediction
- If Northern Knights bat first: 155–165
- If Wellington Firebirds bat first: 135–145
Probable Batsman & Bowler
For Northern Knights, Katene D Clarke is expected to be the standout batter, supported by Brett Hampton’s consistency. Scott Kuggeleijn remains the key bowler, capable of breaking partnerships. For Wellington Firebirds, Tom Blundell and Rachin Ravindra are the main batting hopes, while Ben Sears is likely to lead the bowling effort.
Also Check For More: Super Smash League Match Prediction
Match Prediction
Considering form, squad balance, and head-to-head record, the Northern Knights vs Wellington Firebirds prediction favours Northern Knights. Wellington’s struggles at home and lack of consistency make it difficult to back them, while Northern Knights’ improved batting and bowling depth give them the edge.
Final Verdict: Northern Knights 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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