Wellington vs Northern Knights: Super Smash 2025/26 Match Preview

Match Details

• Date: Sunday, 11th January 2026
• Time: 03:25 AM GMT / 08:55 AM IST
• Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington, New Zealand
• Competition: Super Smash 2025/26 (Men’s T20)

Pitch and Weather Conditions

• Pitch: The Basin Reserve is known for its balanced nature, offering seam and swing for pacers in the early overs, while the surface remains good for batting in the middle and death overs.
• Weather: Expect cloudy conditions with a temperature around 14°C, 77% humidity, and a wind speed of 27.8 km/h. There is an 84% chance of light precipitation, which could impact the start of the match or cause delays.

Team Lineups

Wellington (WEL) Possible Playing XI

1. Tim Robinson
2. Tom Blundell (WK)
3. Rachin Ravindra
4. Muhammad Abbas Khan
5. Jesse Tashkoff
6. Gareth Severin (WK)
7. Logan van Beek
8. Peter Younghusband
9. Michael Snedden
10. Ben Sears
11. Yahya Zeb

Northern Knights (NB) Possible Playing XI

1. Joe Carter
2. Katene Clarke
3. Brett Hampton
4. Jeet Raval
5. Xavier Bell (WK)
6. Ben Pomare (WKC)
7. Scott Kuggeleijn
8. Tim Pringle
9. Henry Cooper
10. Zak Gibson
11. Matthew Fisher

Team Analysis

Wellington Firebirds

Wellington enter this match with a balanced squad that blends experienced batsmen and potent bowlers. The top order, led by Tim Robinson and Tom Blundell, has the potential to set a solid foundation. Rachin Ravindra and Muhammad Abbas Khan provide depth and stability in the middle, while Logan van Beek is a crucial death-overs specialist.

The spin department is led by Peter Younghusband, who can be effective in tight conditions. However, their performance will heavily rely on the openers and van Beek’s ability to maintain pressure in the final overs.

Northern Knights

Northern Knights are a well-rounded side with a strong batting lineup and a bowling attack that can trouble batters under pressure. Joe Carter and Katene Clarke are expected to open the innings, and their experience could help them counter early swing. Jeet Raval and Brett Hampton are key middle-order players who can accelerate the innings.

In the bowling department, Scott Kuggeleijn and Zak Gibson are the standout performers. Ben Pomare’s all-round abilities offer flexibility, both with the bat and the gloves. Their balanced attack and solid batting depth make them a strong contender.

Head-to-Head and Recent Form

Wellington and Northern Knights have had a competitive history in the Super Smash. While Northern Knights have the edge in recent encounters, both teams have shown the ability to adapt to different conditions. Wellington will look to capitalize on home advantage, while Northern Knights will aim to continue their strong form in tight matches.

Key Players to Watch

Wellington

• Tim Robinson: The opener is crucial for setting the tone in the early overs.
• Logan van Beek: The death-overs specialist is the key to restricting the opposition in the final overs.
• Rachin Ravindra: A reliable middle-order performer with the ability to accelerate when needed.

Northern Knights

• Katene Clarke: A consistent performer at the top with the ability to anchor the innings.
• Brett Hampton: A vital middle-order player who can stabilize or accelerate the innings.
• Scott Kuggeleijn: A wicket-taking bowler who can trouble batters under pressure.

Match Prediction

This is a tightly contested match between two well-balanced sides. However, Northern Knights are slightly favored due to their stronger bowling attack and experience in tight T20 contests. The weather conditions might play a role, but both teams are capable of adapting to the situation.

Prediction: Northern Knights to win by 5-6 runs.

Fantasy Cricket Picks

• Captain: Brett Hampton (NB)
• Vice-Captain: Logan van Beek (WEL)
• Wicketkeeper: Xavier Bell (NB)
• Bowler: Scott Kuggeleijn (NB)
• All-rounder: Ben Pomare (NB)
• Batsman: Tim Robinson (WEL)

Live Streaming and Broadcast

• India: Fancode
• New Zealand: TVNZ+
• Canada: ATN
• South Africa: SuperSport Action

Conclusion

The match between Wellington and Northern Knights promises to be an exciting encounter at the Basin Reserve. With both teams having strong squads and the pitch offering a fair contest between bat and ball, fans can look forward to a thrilling T20 battle. Northern Knights are the slight favorites, but home advantage could tip the scales in favor of Wellington.
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