CH Central Hinds
OS Otago Sparks
Womens Super Smash
Central Hinds vs Otago Sparks Match Recap
Last updated: 27 January 2026
Result: Otago Sparks won by 2 wickets. CH 123/5 (20) vs OS 126/8 (19.3).
Our Pick: CH @ 1.88 (+8.8% edge)
Outcome: Lost (-1.5 units)
* 1 unit = 1% of bankroll
Pre-match analysis published on 24 January 2026:
Second versus fifth in the Women's Super Smash. Central Hinds host Otago Sparks at McLean Park with contrasting form. The Hinds have won four consecutive completed matches and sit on 25 points. Otago have lost two of their last three, including a 9-wicket drubbing by Canterbury just three days ago. When these teams met in December, Otago won by 7 wickets - but that was at Alexandra, not Napier.
Central Hinds: Unbeaten Run Continues
The Hinds have found their rhythm. Since losing to Otago on December 30, they've won every completed match. Their bowling has been exceptional - Grace Scrivens leads the attack with 9 wickets this season, followed by Hannah Rowe (8), Rosemary Mair (7), and Ashtuti Kumar (7).
- vs Auckland Hearts (Jan 16/17) - Won by 29 runs. Grace Scrivens 4/13 demolished Auckland's chase.
- vs Northern Brave (Jan 13) - Won by 3 wickets defending just 83. Mair 4/11, Kumar 4/13.
- vs Wellington Blaze (Jan 7) - Won by 5 runs. Posted 154/6.
- vs Canterbury (Jan 3) - Won by 7 runs. Posted 191/5.
Bryony Smith has been explosive at the top - 176 runs at a strike rate around 154. She provides the firepower while captain Hannah Rowe anchors the middle order.
Otago Sparks: Form Slipping at Crucial Time
Otago's season has derailed. They were competitive early but have now lost two of their last three completed matches. The Canterbury defeat on January 21 was particularly damaging - bowled out for 141/7 and then watched Canterbury chase it down 145/1 in 17.5 overs.
- vs Canterbury (Jan 21) - Lost by 9 wickets. Heavily outplayed.
- vs Northern Brave (Jan 18) - Lost by 5 wickets despite posting 161/6.
- vs Auckland Hearts (Jan 11) - Won by 4 wickets chasing 169.
- vs Auckland Hearts (Jan 6) - Lost by 1 run. Agonising finish at 122/8.
Caitlin Blakely leads the batting with 151 runs. Emma Black has 11-12 wickets this season. But the bowling has been leaking runs - they conceded 162/5 to Northern Brave and 145/1 to Canterbury in consecutive matches.
Key Players to Watch
| Player | Team | Role | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryony Smith | CH | Opener | 176 runs, SR ~154 |
| Grace Scrivens | CH | All-rounder | 9 wickets, best 4/13 |
| Rosemary Mair | CH | Bowler | 7 wickets, best 4/11 |
| Caitlin Blakely | OS | Opener | 151 runs this season |
| Emma Black | OS | Bowler | 11-12 wickets this season |
Head-to-Head Record
Louisa Kotkamp 3/24 was the key bowler
That was at Alexandra - this is at Napier (CH home)
Venue and Conditions
McLean Park, Napier is Central Hinds' home ground. The most recent WSS match here was a low-scoring thriller - Northern Brave 82 all out, Central Hinds 83/7. The surface can be tricky. Weather forecast shows 20°C with 22% rain chance.
Why Central Hinds Are Favourites
Our Prediction
The December result at Alexandra is the main argument for Otago. Louisa Kotkamp took 3/24 and knows how to bowl to Central Hinds. But everything else favours the home side.
Central Hinds have been clinical - defending 83 against Northern Brave, posting 191 against Canterbury, and beating Auckland by 29 runs. Their bowling attack has four bowlers with 7+ wickets this season. Otago's attack just leaked 145/1 to Canterbury.
Prediction: Central Hinds to win
Confidence: 62%
Betting Value
The market offers +8.8% edge on the in-form home side. Strong value bet. Stake recommendation: 1.5 units.
Staking: 1 unit = 1% of your betting bankroll. We recommend 1.5u for edges above 8%, 1u for 5-8%, and 0.5u for edges between 2-5%.
