The Wellington Blaze and Wellington Firebirds are set to launch their Super Smash 2025/26 campaigns, with another action-packed summer of T20 cricket returning to Wellington and the Cello Basin Reserve. Once again, every Wellington Super Smash fixture will be played as a double-header, giving fans the chance to enjoy both the Blaze and Firebirds on the same day, with the women’s match followed by the men’s.

Blaze Head Coach Jonny Bassett-Graham says the squad is eager to hit the ground running as they transition into the Super Smash. “Really excited to get back into the Super Smash. The squad through the HBJ so far has played some really good cricket and we are looking forward to the new challenges the Super Smash will bring,” he said.

Firebirds Head Coach Shane Jurgenson echoed the excitement, highlighting the opportunity the competition presents. “It’s an excellent opportunity for the players to show their skills in the shorter format as we look to push for a spot in the finals again,” he said.

The Wellington sides open their seasons on Friday 27 December at Fitzherbert Park, where the Blaze face the Central Hinds from 12.40pm before the Firebirds take on the Central Stags. The competition then returns home to Wellington for a summer of marquee double-headers at the Basin, beginning with the home opener on Monday 29 December when the Blaze host the Auckland Hearts from 12.40pm followed by the Firebirds against the Auckland Aces.

A highlight of the home schedule comes early January, with three action-packed Super Smash home rounds at the Cello Basin Reserve. The week kicks off on Wednesday 7 January with Pride Round, as the Blaze and Firebirds host Central Districts in a celebration of inclusion and diversity both on and off the field. Friday 9 January continues the excitement with another double-header, as Wellington welcomes Otago, with the Blaze facing the Otago Sparks followed by the Firebirds against the Otago Volts. The week culminates on Sunday 11 January with the Charity Round, Bat 4 Change, proudly partnered with the Wellington City Mission, giving fans the chance to enjoy thrilling cricket while supporting an important community cause, as the Blaze take on the Northern Brave Women and the Firebirds face the Northern Brave Men in a festival-style day of action.

The regular-season home schedule concludes on Monday 19 January, Wellington Anniversary Day, which will also serve as the S’PORT Round, focused on supporting women’s sport while celebrating participation, youth sport and active communities, with the Blaze and Firebirds again hosting Central Districts in a festival-style public holiday double-header.

With the Blaze continuing their legacy as one of New Zealand’s most successful women’s teams and the Firebirds bringing power and pace to the men’s competition, Super Smash 2025/26 promises fast-paced cricket, themed match days and affordable family entertainment, and Cricket Wellington looks forward to welcoming fans back to the Basin for another unforgettable summer of double-header cricket.

Home Fixtures – Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington

• Monday 29 December – Blaze vs Auckland Hearts – 12.40pm / Firebirds vs Auckland Aces – 4.25pm
• Wednesday 7 January – Pride Round – Blaze vs Central Hinds – 12.40pm / Firebirds vs Central Stags – 4.25pm
• Friday 9 January – Blaze vs Otago Sparks – 12.40pm / Firebirds vs Otago Volts – 4.25pm
• Sunday 11 January – Charity “Bat for Change” – Blaze vs Northern Brave – 12.40pm / Firebirds vs Northern Brave – 4.25pm
• Monday 19 January – Wellington Anniversary / S’PORT Round – Blaze vs Canterbury Magicians – 12.40pm / Firebirds vs Canterbury Kings – 4.25pm

Away Fixtures

• Saturday 27 December – Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North – Blaze vs Central Hinds – 12.40pm / Firebirds vs Central Stags – 4.25pm
• Wednesday 31 December – Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui – Blaze vs Northern Brave – 12.40pm / Firebirds vs Northern Brave – 4.25pm
• Friday 2 January – Kennards Hire Community Oval, Auckland – Blaze vs Auckland Hearts – 12.40pm / Firebirds vs Auckland Aces – 4.25pm
• Thursday 15 January – University of Otago Oval, Dunedin – Blaze vs Otago Sparks – 12.40pm / Firebirds vs Otago Volts – 4.25pm
• Friday 23 January – Hagley Oval, Christchurch – Blaze vs Canterbury Magicians – 12.40pm / Firebirds vs Canterbury Kings – 4.25pm

Finals held on 30^th and 31^st of January at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Wellington Blaze v Central Hinds, Saturday 27 December, 12.40pm

Melie Kerr – Captain

Nicole Baird

Maitlan Brown

Rebecca Burns

Hannah Francis

Xara Jetly

Jess Kerr

Sam Mackinder

Jess McFadyen

Isla Mckenzie

Georgia Plimmer

Jess Simmons

Wellington Firebirds v Central Stags, Saturday 27 December, 4.25pm

Nick Kelly – Captain

Muhammad Abbas*

Tom Blundell

Nick Greenwood

Tim Robinson

Ben Sears*

Gareth Severin

Michael Snedden

Jesse Tashkoff*

Logan van Beek*

Peter Younghusband

Yahya Zeb

Article added: Friday 26 December 2025