Wellington Firebirds vs Auckland Aces Prediction: Who Will Win WF vs AA 4th T20 Super Smash Match?
The Super Smash 2025–26 moves into an important early phase as Wellington Firebirds face Auckland Aces in the 4th T20 match at the iconic Basin Reserve on Monday, 29 December 2025. This encounter carries significance for both sides, making the Wellington Firebirds vs Auckland Aces prediction an important one for fans and fantasy players alike.
Wellington Firebirds have started the season with positive momentum, already picking up points and displaying clarity in roles across batting and bowling departments. Their aggressive powerplay approach with the bat and disciplined bowling execution has given them an early edge in the competition. A win here would further cement their position near the top of the table and ease pressure as the short league phase progresses.
Auckland Aces, on the other hand, are still searching for their first victory of the season. Despite being one of the historically stronger teams in New Zealand’s domestic T20 setup, they have shown inconsistencies in key phases—particularly in death bowling and middle-order batting. However, with experienced internationals and proven domestic performers, Auckland have the quality to bounce back quickly.
The Basin Reserve traditionally rewards disciplined bowling and patient batting, making adaptability crucial. With Wellington enjoying early momentum and Auckland desperate for consistency, this Wellington Firebirds vs Auckland Aces prediction sets up a competitive clash where execution under pressure is likely to determine the outcome.
- Wellington Firebirds have early momentum and points on the board
- Auckland Aces are seeking their first win of the season
- Basin Reserve conditions suit disciplined bowling attacks
- Powerplay performance could decide the contest
Match Details
| Match | Wellington Firebirds vs Auckland Aces, 4th T20 |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, 29 December 2025 |
| Time | 8:55 AM (Local) |
| Venue | Basin Reserve, Wellington |
| Tournament | Super Smash 2025–26 |
Team Preview
Wellington Firebirds Preview
Wellington Firebirds have begun the Super Smash season with encouraging signs of balance and cohesion. Their batting unit has looked settled, particularly at the top, where Devon Conway’s fluency has allowed others to play around him. Rachin Ravindra and Nick Kelly have provided brisk starts, ensuring Wellington consistently score at over 8.5 runs per over during the powerplay. This aggressive intent early on has helped them dictate terms.
The middle order, led by Michael Bracewell, has added flexibility. Bracewell’s ability to shift gears in the middle overs and clear the ropes late makes him a vital asset. Tom Blundell’s presence further down the order provides composure and finishing ability, ensuring the Firebirds bat deep.
Bowling has been equally impressive. Logan van Beek and Ben Sears have consistently struck early, breaking partnerships inside the powerplay. Their ability to hit hard lengths has suited Basin Reserve conditions. Nathan Smith and Angus Olliver have complemented them well, keeping things tight through the middle overs and forcing batters into errors. Fielding standards have been sharp, converting pressure into wickets.
Overall, Wellington look like a settled unit with clearly defined roles. If they maintain their powerplay intensity and disciplined bowling, they will be hard to stop at home.
Auckland Aces Preview
Auckland Aces have had a less convincing start to their campaign, but the quality within the squad suggests improvement is imminent. Martin Guptill remains the key figure at the top of the order, capable of changing games within a few overs. However, Auckland’s middle order has struggled to capitalise on starts, placing extra pressure on the lower order.
Sean Solia and captain Will O’Donnell are central to Auckland’s plans, providing leadership and all-round balance. Their contributions with both bat and ball will be crucial if Auckland are to stabilise their innings and challenge Wellington’s bowlers.
Bowling has been the main concern so far. While Lockie Ferguson has provided pace and aggression, support at the death has been inconsistent, with runs leaking at over 10 per over in the previous match. Spin from Adithya Ashok could be key in slowing down Wellington’s middle order, while Danru Ferns adds depth as a seam-bowling all-rounder.
For Auckland Aces to turn their season around, they must tighten execution in the final overs and build partnerships with the bat.
Team Squads
Wellington Firebirds: Rachin Ravindra, Nick Kelly, Jesse Tashkoff, Devon Conway, Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell, Peter Younghusband, Logan van Beek, Angus Olliver, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith
Auckland Aces: Muhammad Abbas, Simon Keene, Martin Guptill, Will O’Donnell, Sean Solia, Tom Blundell, Danru Ferns, Adithya Ashok, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Lister, Louis Delport
Probable Playing XI
| Wellington Firebirds | Auckland Aces |
|---|---|
| Rachin Ravindra | Muhammad Abbas |
| Nick Kelly | Martin Guptill |
| Jesse Tashkoff | Simon Keene |
| Devon Conway | Will O’Donnell (c) |
| Michael Bracewell | Sean Solia |
| Tom Blundell (wk) | Tom Blundell (wk) |
| Peter Younghusband | Danru Ferns |
| Logan van Beek | Adithya Ashok |
| Angus Olliver | Lockie Ferguson |
| Ben Sears | Ben Lister |
| Nathan Smith | Louis Delport |
Wellington Firebirds vs Auckland Aces Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Devon Conway, Martin Guptill, Nick Kelly |
| All-rounders | Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, Sean Solia |
| Bowlers | Logan van Beek, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears |
| Wicketkeeper | Tom Blundell |
This Wellington Firebirds vs Auckland Aces prediction suggests leaning slightly towards Wellington-heavy fantasy combinations due to form and momentum. Devon Conway is a safe pick for consistent runs, while Rachin Ravindra and Michael Bracewell provide valuable all-round points. Nick Kelly is a differential option given his powerplay strike rate.
From Auckland, Martin Guptill remains a must-pick due to his match-winning potential, while Sean Solia offers dual value. In bowling, Logan van Beek and Ben Sears are strong choices given Basin Reserve conditions. Lockie Ferguson’s raw pace keeps him relevant despite Auckland’s struggles.
Captain Choices: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra
Vice-Captain Choices: Michael Bracewell, Martin Guptill
Players to Avoid: Louis Delport, Simon Keene
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
Wellington Firebirds are favourites in today’s contest due to their strong start, home advantage, and better balance across departments. Their batting unit has shown intent early in innings, while the bowling attack has been disciplined, especially during the powerplay. Auckland Aces, despite their pedigree, are still ironing out issues in death bowling and middle-order consistency. Playing at Basin Reserve further strengthens Wellington’s chances, as they are more familiar with the conditions. If they continue to dominate early phases, the Firebirds should control the match. Hence, this Wellington Firebirds vs Auckland Aces prediction favours Wellington Firebirds.
Wellington Firebirds T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 194 | 86 | 88 | 20 | 0 |
Auckland Aces T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 208 | 102 | 84 | 21 | 1 |
Head-to-Head: Wellington Firebirds vs Auckland Aces
| Matches | Firebirds Won | Aces Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 15 | 21 | 4 |
Auckland Aces hold an overall head-to-head edge, but Wellington Firebirds have won more games in recent Super Smash seasons, narrowing the gap significantly.
Pitch Report
The Basin Reserve pitch typically offers early assistance to seamers, especially in morning matches. Batters need to negotiate the new ball carefully before accelerating. Once set, scoring becomes easier with true bounce aiding stroke play. Spinners rely more on variations than turn. A total around 135–145 is competitive in Super Smash conditions here.
Weather Report
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 17–19°C |
| Rain Chance | Low |
| Humidity | Moderate |
Clear skies are expected in Wellington with minimal chance of rain, allowing uninterrupted play.
Broadcast Details
The match will be broadcast live on Sony Sports TEN Network and streamed on SonyLiv and FanCode. Fans can also follow live scores, commentary, and highlights via official Super Smash digital platforms.
Toss Prediction
Teams may prefer to bowl first to exploit early seam movement at Basin Reserve. Auckland Aces are tipped to win the toss and opt to field.
Score Prediction
- If Wellington Firebirds bat first: 135–145
- If Auckland Aces bat first: 140–150
Powerplay dominance and death-over execution will decide the final outcome.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
Devon Conway is expected to be Wellington’s key batter due to his composure and consistency at the top. Rachin Ravindra could also make a significant impact with quick runs. For Auckland Aces, Martin Guptill remains the primary batting threat. With the ball, Logan van Beek’s ability to strike early makes him Wellington’s main wicket-taker, while Lockie Ferguson’s pace gives Auckland their best chance of breakthroughs.
Also Check For More: Super Smash League Match Prediction
Match Prediction
This Wellington Firebirds vs Auckland Aces prediction favours Wellington Firebirds due to better form, stronger early-season momentum, and home advantage. Auckland Aces have the quality to compete, but unless they fix death-bowling issues, Wellington are likely to emerge victorious.
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.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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