CM Canterbury Magicians
WB Wellington Blaze
Women's Super Smash
Canterbury Magicians vs Wellington Blaze Match Recap
Last updated: 24 January 2026
Result: Wellington Blaze won by 6 runs (130/9 vs 124/7)
Our Pick: WB @ 1.55 (+10.5% edge)
Outcome: Won (+0.83 units)
* 1 unit = 1% of bankroll
Pre-match analysis published on 23 January 2026:
Top versus bottom in Women's Super Smash. Wellington Blaze arrive at Hagley Oval with a 6-2-1 record and 29 points - first place in the competition. Canterbury Magicians have won just 1 of 8 matches, sit last on 6 points, and were bowled out for 97 when these teams met four days ago. The Blaze won that encounter by 30 runs.
Wellington Blaze: Defending Champions Rolling On
The nine-time Super Smash champions have been clinical this season. Their +0.965 NRR tells the story - they win big. Captain Jess Kerr dismantled Canterbury in the January 19 match with 4/18, supported by Nicole Baird (2/10) and Xara Jetly (1/10).
- vs Canterbury Magicians (Jan 19) - Won by 30 runs. Georgia Plimmer 36(33), Xara Jetly 27(25). Bowled CM out for 97.
- vs Otago Sparks (Jan 15) - No Result (rain)
- vs Northern Brave (Jan 11) - Won by 3 runs. Jess Kerr 53(31) in a thriller.
Amelia Kerr leads the tournament run-scoring with 206 runs. Xara Jetly tops the wicket charts. When your best batter and best bowler are both tournament leaders, you have depth that Canterbury cannot match.
Canterbury Magicians: Season to Forget
The Magicians have been bowled out twice in their last three completed matches. Their -1.935 NRR is the worst in the competition by a significant margin. Captain Lea Tahuhu has struggled to find consistency from anyone beyond Izzy Sharp.
- vs Wellington Blaze (Jan 19) - Lost by 30 runs. Kate Anderson 45(42) top-scored but team collapsed to 97 all out.
- Record: 1 win, 7 losses from 8 matches
Izzy Sharp has been the lone bright spot - 194 runs at 38.80 with 6 sixes (the most in the tournament). But one batter cannot carry a team against the competition leaders.
Key Players to Watch
| Player | Team | Role | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amelia Kerr | WB | Batter/Leg-spin | 206 runs - tournament leading scorer |
| Jess Kerr | WB | Captain/All-rounder | 4/18 vs CM (Jan 19), 53 vs Northern Brave |
| Xara Jetly | WB | Spin | Tournament leading wicket-taker |
| Izzy Sharp | CM | Batter | 194 runs, 6 sixes (most in tournament) |
| Kate Anderson | CM | Batter | 45(42) vs WB - top scorer in losing cause |
Head-to-Head Record
Jess Kerr 4/18 destroyed Canterbury's batting
This is the rematch just 4 days later
Venue and Conditions
Hagley Oval, Christchurch is Canterbury's home ground - their only advantage. The surface is batting-friendly with short straight boundaries (61-63m). Pace bowlers find early movement but the pitch flattens as the game progresses. Weather warning: Forecast shows considerable clouds with a couple of showers possible.
Why Wellington Blaze Are Favourites
Our Prediction
Canterbury's home advantage at Hagley Oval is their only card to play. Izzy Sharp can score runs against anyone - her 194 runs and 6 sixes prove that. But Wellington have too many weapons. Jess Kerr took 4/18 against this lineup four days ago. Amelia Kerr leads the tournament in runs. Xara Jetly leads in wickets.
The Magicians were bowled out for 97 in the last meeting. Unless they find 40+ more runs and a way to contain the Kerr sisters, the result will be similar.
Prediction: Wellington Blaze to win
Confidence: 75%
Betting Value
The market offers +10.5% edge on the tournament leaders. Strong value bet. Stake recommendation: 1.5 units.
Weather watch: Showers possible - check forecast before placing.
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%.
