The Super Smash 2026 action moves to the iconic and windy Basin Reserve, Wellington, where Wellington Firebirds (WF) take on Canterbury Kings (CTB). This is a must-win match for the home side, who are currently stuck in a poor run of form. Canterbury, meanwhile, arrive with better momentum and will look to dominate away from home.
For fantasy cricket players, this match is important due to the presence of in-form wicketkeeper batters, pace-bowling all-rounders, and conditions that heavily favor fast bowlers.
📅 Match Details (Updated)
- Match: Wellington Firebirds vs Canterbury Kings
- Tournament: Super Smash 2026
- Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington
- Date: 19 January 2026
- Time: 8:55 AM IST | 4:25 PM NZDT
📺 Live Streaming & Broadcast
- India: FanCode App & Website
- New Zealand: TVNZ & Spark Sport (as per local availability)
🌦 Weather & Pitch Report – Basin Reserve, Wellington
🌤 Weather Forecast
- Temperature: 19°C – 21°C
- Conditions: Partly sunny, windy
- Rain: Very low chance
- Wind may assist swing bowlers early
🏟 Pitch Report
- Average Score (Last 5 matches): 171
- Pacers’ Wickets: 38
- Spinners’ Wickets: 13
👉 Fantasy Insight: The Basin Reserve strongly favors fast bowlers. New-ball movement and bounce are key factors. Batters who survive the powerplay usually score well, but spinners are high-risk picks here.
📊 Head-to-Head & Recent Form
- Overall H2H: Canterbury 7 – 6 Wellington
- Wellington Firebirds Form: ❌❌❌❌ A
- Canterbury Kings Form: ❌✅❌✅✅
Canterbury hold a slight edge historically and come in with better confidence.
🚑 Injury Updates & Player Availability
- Wellington Firebirds: ✅ No fresh injury concerns reported
- Canterbury Kings: ✅ Full squad available, no confirmed injuries
👉 Final XIs will be confirmed after the toss.
🧢 Probable Playing XI
Wellington Firebirds
Tom Blundell (wk), Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Nick Kelly, Jesse Tashkoff, Muhammad Abbas, Logan van Beek, Nathan Smith, Peter Younghusband, Ben Sears, Yahya Zeb
Canterbury Kings
Chad Bowes, Tom Latham (wk), Henry Nicholls, Cole McConchie, Mitchell Hay, Michael Rippon, Zakary Foulkes, Fraser Sheat, Ish Sodhi, Cameron Paul, William O’Rourke
⭐ Key Players to Watch
🧤 Wicketkeepers
- Tom Blundell (WF): 278 runs | Avg fantasy points: 143 | Extremely consistent
- Tom Latham (CTB): 201 runs | Avg fantasy points: 141 | Reliable anchor
🏏 Batters
- Tim Robinson (WF): Aggressive opener, dangerous if set
- Chad Bowes (CTB): Attacks powerplay, high strike rate
🔁 All-Rounders
- Rachin Ravindra (WF): Top-order bat + part-time spin
- Cole McConchie (CTB): Captain, 8 wickets + handy runs
🎯 Bowlers
- Ben Sears (WF): 9 wickets, extra pace suits Basin
- Logan van Beek (WF): Death-over specialist + late-order runs
- Cameron Paul (CTB): 7 wickets, consistent strike bowler
🧠 Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
✅ Safe Options
- Tom Blundell
- Tom Latham
- Rachin Ravindra
🎯 Differential Picks
- Ben Sears
- Logan van Beek
- Cole McConchie
🏆 Fantasy Strategy Tips
- Pace is King: Pick 3–4 fast bowlers
- Top Order Priority: Top-3 batters score most runs here
- Wind Factor: Bowlers running into the wind often get wickets
- Avoid Excess Spinners: Only pick if they bat or bowl in powerplay
🔮 Match Outlook
Canterbury Kings start as slight favorites due to form, but Wellington Firebirds have the home advantage. Expect a competitive, fast-bowler-dominated contest.
Disclaimer: This preview is for informational purposes only. Fantasy sports involve risk please play responsibly and confirm final lineups after the toss.