Wellington Firebirds vs Central Districts: Super Smash 2025/26 Match 12 Preview

Match Details

• Teams: Wellington Firebirds vs Central Districts
• Date: Wednesday, 7th January 2026
• Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington, New Zealand
• Start Time: 03:25 AM GMT | 08:55 AM IST | 04:25 PM Local Time
• Format: T20
• Series: Super Smash 2025/26
• Match Number: 12

Current Form and Team Dynamics

Wellington Firebirds

The Firebirds are currently placed third in the Super Smash standings with six points from four matches. Their balanced squad has shown promise in both batting and bowling. Key contributors include Nick Kelly (captain), who has been in excellent form with the bat, scoring 108 runs in three games at an average of 54. Jesse Tashkoff, the team’s leading run-scorer with 117 runs at 58.5, has been the backbone of their middle order. On the bowling front, Yahya Zeb has been instrumental, picking up four wickets at an impressive average of 13.

Central Districts

Defending champions Central Stags are currently on a three-match losing streak, which has put pressure on their title defense. Despite this, they still have a strong squad with players like Dane Cleaver and Will Young contributing with the bat. Cleaver, the top run-scorer with 145 runs at an average of 36.25, will be crucial for the Stags. Ajaz Patel, a seasoned off-spinner, has been consistent, taking seven wickets in four games this season at an average of 16.28.

Key Players to Watch

Wellington Firebirds

• Nick Kelly (Captain) – Consistent with the bat, averaging 54 in three games.
• Jesse Tashkoff – Top run-scorer with 117 runs at 58.5.
• Yahya Zeb – Leading wicket-taker for the Firebirds with four wickets at 13.
• Logan van Beek – Key death-overs bowler with a knack for taking wickets in tight situations.

Central Districts

• Dane Cleaver (Wicketkeeper) – Top run-scorer with 145 runs at 36.25.
• Ajaz Patel – Spin wizard with seven wickets at 16.28 in four matches.
• Dean Foxcroft – Reliable middle-order batsman with 127 runs at 31.75.
• Brett Randell – A death-overs specialist who has been effective in recent games.

Head-to-Head

In their last five encounters, Central Districts have the upper hand, having won three of the five matches. However, the Firebirds have shown resilience and consistency in recent fixtures, which could give them the edge on the day.

Venue Insights – Basin Reserve, Wellington

The Basin Reserve is a well-balanced venue, though recent trends suggest that batting second has been the more successful strategy. The average first innings score from 2022 to 2025 is around 159, with a slight increase in 2025 to 166.71. The wicket has become easier for batters, with a win percentage of 58.8% for teams batting second.

• Average First Innings Score: ~160
• Batting Second Win Percentage: 58.8%
• Wickets Per Innings: ~6.5
• Bowling Conditions: Moderate support for fast bowlers, with spinners finding less purchase in recent games.

Squads

Wellington Firebirds (11 Players)

• Nick Kelly (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Muhammad Abbas, Nick Greenwood, Ben Sears, Gareth Severin, Michael Snedden, Tim Robinson, Jesse Tashkoff, Logan van Beek, Peter Younghusband, Yahya Zeb.

Central Districts (11 Players)

• Jayden Lennox (c), Dane Cleaver (wk), Will Clark, Josh Clarkson, Toby Findlay, Dean Foxcroft, Curtis Heaphy, Ajaz Patel, Brett Randell, Angus Schaw, Ray Toole, Will Young.

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Central Districts
• Match Winner: Wellington Firebirds
• Top Batter: Tim Robinson (Wellington Firebirds), Dane Cleaver (Central Districts)
• Top Bowler: Ben Sears (Wellington Firebirds), Ajaz Patel (Central Districts)
• Most Sixes: Jesse Tashkoff (Wellington Firebirds), Dane Cleaver (Central Districts)
• Player of the Match: Tim Robinson (Wellington Firebirds)
• Expected Score if Batting First:
  • Wellington Firebirds: 170+
  • Central Districts: 160+

Key Insights

• Tim Robinson has a 86% win rate for Wellington when he scores over 50.
• Jesse Tashkoff’s aggressive batting style makes him a key player in the middle overs.
• Ajaz Patel’s experience and control could be vital in tight chases.
• The Firebirds’ spinners may struggle if the pitch turns in favor of the Stags' spin attack.

Weather and Pitch Conditions

• Weather Forecast: Cloudy with a temperature around 14°C. Humidity at 77%, wind speed 27.8 km/h, and an 84% chance of light precipitation.
• Pitch: Balanced, offering some assistance to fast bowlers early on. The surface has been improving in favor of batters, with an average first innings score of 144.

Conclusion

This promises to be an exciting encounter between two evenly matched sides. The Firebirds have the momentum with a strong batting lineup and a well-balanced bowling attack. However, the Stags have the experience and firepower to challenge them. With the advantage of batting second, the Firebirds are slight favorites to come out on top in this high-stakes Super Smash clash.

Where to Watch:

• Live Streaming: FanCode
• Live Scores: Possible11.com

Disclaimer: This preview is based on current form, past performance, and available data. Predictions are subject to change based on in-game developments and player availability.
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