WF vs AA Super Smash T20 Match Preview:

Basin Reserve, Wellington, is set for a high-stakes clash between the Wellington Firebirds and the Auckland Aces in the fourth match of Super Smash T20. Wellington hasn’t been through an expected run of form as they have to face a massive drubbing against Central Districts by 46 runs in the opening match. Now, this match is a crucial opportunity to gain momentum.

Meanwhile, Auckland has managed to win two out of its last five appearances. They lost their last match against CS by 5 wickets and occupied the 6th place in the previous season’s point table. Now they will be aiming to kick off their campaign with a success in this game against Wellington.

WF vs AA Recent Performance:

WF vs AA Super Smash T20  Match Details:

• Series/Tournament: Super Smash T20 
• Match: WF vs AA Match 4
• Date: 29 Dec. 2025
• Match Start Time: 8:55 AM IST
• Stadium/Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington, New Zealand
• Live Score: cricketwinner.com
• Live Streaming: Fancode.

WF vs AA Head-to-Head Stats:

(Last 10 Matches)

WF vs AA Pitch & Weather Report:

Wellington is expected to be partly cloudy during this match with low chances of interruption. The temperature will hover around 18.0°C. Based on previous stats, the average score at this venue ranges between 154 and 155 runs. The pitch offers a little assistance to pacers.

Basin Reserve, Wellington, New Zealand Stats: 

Basin Reserve has been a fast bowlers' venue; however, after spending some time at the crease, the batsman can play their shots freely. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first will be a wise decision on this surface.      

WF vs AA Probable Playing 11

Wellington Firebirds (WF) Probable 11:

Tim Robinson, Tom Blundell (WK), Nick Kelly, Muhammad Abbas, Jesse Tashkoff, Gareth Severin, Logan van Beek, Peter Younghusband, Michael Snedden, Ben Sears, Yahya Zeb

Auckland Aces (AA) Probable 11:

Cam Fletcher (wk), B Jacobs, Martin Guptill, Simon Keene, Dale Philips, Sean Solia, Danru Ferns, Lockie Ferguson, Adithya Ashok, Ben Lister, A Olliver

WF vs AA- Top Picks from WF

WF vs AA- Top Picks from AA

Cricket Winner Player’s Insight:

Tom Blundell (WF) hit an excellent half-century of 51 runs off just 28 deliveries in the last outing.

Nick Kelly (WF) has the potential to score big. He is expected to play a brilliant inning in the upcoming match. 

B Jacobs (AA) was the top run scorer for AA in the last season. He has scored 263 runs with an average of 37.57.

A Olliver (AA) is an inform bowler who took 6 wickets in the last three matches.

WF vs AA Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

WF vs AA Fantasy Team Suggestion:  

WF vs AA Dream11 Prediction Expert Advice 

WF vs AA Dream11 Prediction Probable Winners:

WF is expected to win this match. They will lean on the home condition. Additionally, Tom Blundell’s excellent form is also a good sign for them.

WF vs AA Match 4 FAQ

Who is likely to win the WF vs AA match today?

Wellington Firebirds (WF) is expected to win this match.

Who is ahead in head-to-head stats?    

Both teams are on equal footing.

Who are the top fantasy picks for the WF vs AA Dream11 team?

Tom Blundell, Nick Kelly, B Jacobs, and A Olliver

What is the pitch report for this match?

The surface is balanced, and we can expect an average score range between 154 and 155 runs.

The chief executive of New Zealand Cricket (NZC), Scott Weenink, resigned on Friday following a long and contentious dispute with players and member associations over the future of T20 cricket in the country. Weenink, a businessman and former first-class cricketer for Wellington, stepped down after serving just over two years in the role.

A rift had developed between Weenink, the players, and member associations regarding a proposed franchise T20 league that would replace the domestic Super Smash. Tentatively named NZ20, the new league was designed to attract foreign investment and ownership, potentially through IPL franchises, and to bring top overseas players to New Zealand.

Players and the six New Zealand member associations saw this as an important step forward, noting that New Zealand is the only ICC full member nation without a franchise T20 league. However, Weenink reportedly preferred the idea of a New Zealand franchise joining the Australian Big Bash League instead.

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Weenink Explains Resignation

“After careful consideration, it has become clear that I hold a different view from several member associations on the future priorities for NZC," Scott Weenink said. “Given these differences, I believe it is in the best interests of the organisation that new leadership takes NZC forward from here."

Weenink reflected on his departure, adding, “I do not wish to create ongoing instability by continuing without the support of some key stakeholders. I leave with pride in the progress made by NZC during my time as CEO, and confidence in the people in NZC who will carry the game forward."

NZC leadership crisis deepens.

CEO Scott Weenink steps aside amid a widening governance rift, with major associations calling the relationship “irretrievable” and life members warning the game’s reputation is at risk.

A decisive period now looms for New Zealand Cricket.

🔗… pic.twitter.com/yKpsFQwpZI

— cricexec (@cricexec) December 13, 2025

Player Support for NZ20

New Zealand Test captain Tom Latham recently expressed his support for NZ20, saying, “I think the NZ20 initiative is great. It will bring huge benefits to cricket in New Zealand, including international players, to raise the standard of the game."

The new competition also has the backing of New Zealand white-ball captain Mitchell Santner, showing strong player support for the proposed franchise T20 league.

New Zealand cricket is preparing for a major shift as plans progress for NZ20, a brand-new, privately owned T20 league scheduled to launch in January 2027. With franchise cricket taking over the global landscape, NZ20 is set to become New Zealand’s entry into the world of high-profile T20 competitions, potentially replacing the long-running Super Smash and offering a more modern, commercially driven product.

The T20 revolution sweeping world cricket has seen the rise of major leagues like the IPL, BBL, PSL and CPL. While New Zealand introduced the Super Smash nearly two decades ago, the tournament has largely remained a developmental competition with limited commercial traction. NZ20 aims to change that narrative completely. The proposed league will feature six privately owned teams, operating independently under a licence granted by New Zealand Cricket (NZC).

The project is being spearheaded by the NZ20 Establishment Committee, led by Don MacKinnon, who revealed that the idea originated from former New Zealand players, including legendary coach Stephen Fleming. After initial discussions, the group soon engaged with the New Zealand Players Association (NZPA), receiving strong interest from current and former players.

Private Ownership, Player Investment and a Summer Window at the Heart of NZ20’s Vision

MacKinnon described NZ20 as an “extremely viable” concept, built around a simple yet ambitious vision: A short, fan-centric T20 league hosted entirely in January, during New Zealand’s peak summer, and staged across scenic venues with grassbank grounds and holiday crowds.

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He emphasized that private ownership allows for greater investment, innovation and improved fan experience, both at stadiums and through broadcast. NZ20 also intends to bring New Zealand’s top players back into domestic cricket, something the Super Smash has struggled to achieve in recent years.

However, challenges remain. NZC has not yet approved the proposal, and a January window would clash with major tournaments like the BBL, SA20 and ILT20, all of which feature New Zealand players. Still, MacKinnon insists that many Kiwi stars are excited and willing to prioritise a home-based league if the conditions are right.

Investor interest from India and other markets has already been strong, and organisers are even exploring a unique feature: player ownership stakes, enabling cricketers to hold shares in the league. If approved, NZ20 will mark the beginning of a new era in New Zealand cricket, one driven by private investment, international flavour and a renewed focus on fan engagement.

In a gripping Super Smash 2023-24 encounter between Wellington and Central Districts, fielder Troy Johnson left fans in awe with a stunning tag catch, removing Districts opener Will Young. Positioned at mid-on, Johnson displayed exceptional athleticism during the sixth over of the second innings, chasing down Young’s lofted drive at the boundary. Despite being close to the line, he skillfully ran backward and completed a remarkable catch.

Although initially comforting himself, Troy Johnson managed to throw the ball to teammate Nick Kelly, who ultimately secured the catch. While both fielders were confident, the decision went to the umpires for review. Replays confirmed Johnson’s feet were inside the boundary when he held the ball, leading to Young being given out.

Turning to the match, Wellington set a target of 147/8 in 20 overs. Logan van Beek shone with an unbeaten 41 runs off 24 balls, rescuing Wellington in the slog overs. Openers Nathan Smith and Nick Greenwood faltered, and skipper Nick Kelly departed early, but Muhammad Abbas steadied the innings with partnerships of 27 and 24 runs for the fourth and fifth wickets, respectively. Abbas contributed 35 runs with 1 four and 2 sixes.

In pursuit of the target, Central Districts made a decent start, adding 36 runs with openers Will Young and Jack Boyle. Young fell for 7 runs due to Johnson’s brilliance, but Boyle went on to score a half-century, posting 57 runs off 43 balls with 10 fours. Tom Bruce and Doug Bracewell sealed the chase, remaining unbeaten on 26 and 30 runs, respectively. Central Districts secured a six-wicket victory, reaching the target in under 17 overs.

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Despite the defeat, Wellington retains the top spot in the Super Smash 2023-24 points table, winning five out of eight matches. Central Districts holds the third position, staying competitive in the tournament.