The Super Smash T20 2026 moves to the iconic Basin Reserve, Wellington, where Wellington Firebirds take on a red-hot Northern Districts side. Northern Districts come into this match after smashing 240 runs in their last game, while Wellington will be eager to bounce back after a close loss to Otago.
With the Basin Reserve offering massive assistance to fast bowlers and all-rounders in peak form, this clash is set to be one of the most fantasy-friendly matches of the tournament.
Match Details
- Match: Wellington vs Northern Districts – Super Smash T20
- Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington
- Date: 11 January 2026
- Time: 8:55 AM IST | 4:25 PM NZDT
Weather Report – Basin Reserve
Wellington’s famous wind will once again play a major role.
- Temperature: 18–20°C
- Wind: Strong breeze expected
- Rain: No major threat
Weather Impact: The wind helps swing bowlers early and makes hitting sixes difficult. Batters often struggle against the breeze, especially while chasing.
Pitch Report – Basin Reserve, Wellington
Basin Reserve has turned into a fast-bowler’s paradise in recent Super Smash seasons.
- Average first-innings score: 156
- Wickets by pacers (last 5 matches): 42
- Wickets by spinners (last 5 matches): 9
Pitch Insight: The pitch offers bounce, seam movement, and help from the wind. Pacers are taking nearly five times more wickets than spinners, making fast bowlers and seam-bowling all-rounders the best fantasy investments.
Team Analysis
Wellington Firebirds
Wellington rely heavily on their pace attack and all-round depth.
- Rachin Ravindra – Opens the batting and bowls key overs
- Tom Blundell – Consistent top-order run scorer
- Logan van Beek – Death-over specialist
- Ben Sears – Express pace, ideal for this pitch
- Jesse Tashkoff – Averaging 90+ fantasy points recently
Strength: Swing bowlers + multi-skill players
Northern Districts
Northern Districts arrive with huge momentum.
- Katene Clarke – Explosive opener (97 in last match)
- Brett Hampton – Fantasy superstar (187 avg points)
- Scott Kuggeleijn – Power-hitting pace all-rounder
- Matthew Fisher – Strike fast bowler
- Tim Pringle – Spin option but pace will dominate
Strength: Pace all-rounders + aggressive batting
Top Fantasy Picks
- Rachin Ravindra (WF) – Bat + bowl = guaranteed points
- Brett Hampton (ND) – One of the best fantasy performers in Super Smash
- Scott Kuggeleijn (ND) – Perfect for pace-friendly conditions
- Logan van Beek (WF) – Wicket-taker at the death
- Katene Clarke (ND) – Powerplay run-machine
Captain & Vice-Captain Options
Safe Picks: Rachin Ravindra, Brett Hampton
High-Risk / High-Reward: Scott Kuggeleijn, Logan van Beek, Katene Clarke
Fantasy Strategy – WF vs ND
- Load your team with fast bowlers and pace all-rounders
- Avoid stacking spinners – Basin Reserve heavily favors seam
- Pick top-order batters who face most deliveries
- All-rounders provide the highest fantasy safety