Wellington Firebirds Suffer 11th Straight Home Loss in Super Smash

At the Basin Reserve in Wellington, the Wellington Firebirds faced another setback in the Super Smash, losing by six wickets to the Northern Brave. This defeat marks the Firebirds’ 11th consecutive loss at home in the T20 competition, with their last victory at this venue dating back to December 21, 2023.

The Firebirds set a target of 185-7 in their 20 overs, with Tom Blundell scoring 73 runs off 41 balls and Tim Robinson contributing 65 runs from 47 balls. Despite a strong start, the team struggled to maintain momentum, ultimately falling short against a formidable Brave side that successfully chased down the target with 22 balls remaining.

In blustery conditions, Blundell and Robinson formed a promising partnership, combining for a 132-run second-wicket stand. Their aggressive batting initially had the Firebirds optimistic about ending their home losing streak. However, the Brave’s bowlers, led by Scott Kuggeleijn, effectively disrupted this partnership, with Kuggeleijn taking 3 wickets for 28 runs in four overs.

The Brave’s chase was spearheaded by Brett Hampton, who scored 65 runs off just 31 balls, and Katene Clarke, who added 54 runs off 27 deliveries. Together, they built a solid foundation with a 121-run opening partnership that changed the game’s dynamics. Their aggressive batting style, particularly Hampton’s powerful strokes that included five fours and six sixes, allowed the Brave to stay ahead of the required run rate.

Although Ben Sears managed to claim three wickets for the Firebirds, including breaking the opening partnership, the Brave’s strong batting lineup proved too much to handle. Captain Mitchell Santner’s quick contribution of 11 runs further solidified the Brave’s position before they cruised to victory.

In the women’s Super Smash match earlier in the day, the Wellington Blaze clinched a narrow victory against the Northern Brave. The Blaze scored 165-6 in their innings, with Jess Kerr leading the charge with a well-crafted 53 runs off 31 balls. In response, the Brave fell just short, finishing at 162-8, with Eve Wolland’s impressive 69 runs off 49 balls keeping them competitive until the end.

The Blaze’s victory was characterized by a crucial 85-run partnership between Kerr and Xara Jetly, who scored 31 runs off 31 balls. This partnership shifted the momentum in favor of the Blaze after a shaky start, allowing them to maintain their position at the top of the women’s Super Smash standings.

As the Firebirds continue to struggle, the team will need to regroup and find a way to reverse their fortunes in the remaining matches of the season.