Cricket Prediction | Wellington Firebirds vs Northern Brave Men | Super Smash 2024/25 | 30th Match | Jan 30 – Can WLF Shake Up the Super Smash Table with an Upset Victory?

WLF vs NTB Match Analysis

The Super Smash 2025 season heats up as Wellington Firebirds face Northern Brave in an exciting clash at Wellington. Scheduled for January 30, 2025, this day-night encounter promises thrilling cricket action as both teams look to solidify their positions in the league standings.

Wellington Firebirds have been a consistent force in the tournament, known for their balanced lineup and sharp performances. With a strong bowling attack and dependable batting unit, they aim to utilize their home advantage and deliver another solid performance.

Northern Brave, on the other hand, bring an aggressive approach to the game, combining experienced campaigners with young talents. Renowned for their fearless batting and dynamic fielding, they’ll look to outplay the Firebirds and secure a crucial win in this encounter.

Wellington Firebirds vs Northern Brave Men Team Preview & Squads

Wellington Firebirds

Nick Kelly, the captain of the WLF, stands out as a calm and strategic leader, known for his ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations. Tom Blundell, a cornerstone of the WLF top order, blends aggression and finesse seamlessly. Whether laying a solid platform or accelerating the run rate when required, his versatility at the crease makes him an indispensable player for the team.

At the heart of the Firebirds’ bowling unit is Logan van Beek, a dynamic pacer renowned for his accuracy and ability to generate movement off the pitch. With a talent for breaking crucial partnerships and extracting bounce to trouble batters, he consistently proves to be a game-changer for the Firebirds.

In a thrilling Super Smash encounter on January 27, 2025, Wellington chased down Auckland’s total of 150/6 with ease, winning by 6 wickets with 4 balls remaining. Auckland’s innings were built around solid contributions, but Wellington’s bowlers kept things tight. In reply, Wellington managed to reach 152/4 in 19.2 overs, thanks to an impactful knock from their middle order. 

Wellington Firebirds Squads

Wellington Firebirds

Tom Blundell(WK), Michael Bracewell, Liam Dudding, Nick Greenwood, James Hartshorn, Troy Johnson, Nick Kelly(C), Callum McLachlan, Ian McPeake, Adam Milne, Muhammad Abbas, Sam Mycock, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Gareth Severin, Nathan Smith, Michael Snedden, Jesse Tashkoff, Logan van Beek, Yahya Zeb, Peter Younghusband.

Northern Brave Men

Jeet Raval, the captain of the NTB, is a seasoned and astute leader, whose calm demeanor and sharp cricketing acumen guide his team through high-pressure situations.

Joe Carter, a standout player for Northern Brave, is known for his aggressive yet controlled approach to batting. He thrives in the middle overs, combining smart strike rotation with a powerful ability to find the boundaries, keeping his team’s momentum intact throughout the innings.

Neil Wagner, a key figure in the NTB bowling attack, is a force to be reckoned with. His fiery pace and relentless intensity make him a game-changer, especially in critical moments, where he often steps up to deliver key breakthroughs, particularly in the death overs.

In the 25th match of the Super Smash at Mount Maunganui, Northern Districts secured a convincing 4-wicket victory over Otago with 15 balls to spare. Batting first, Otago posted a modest total of 143/7, with key contributions from their middle order. Northern Districts chased down the target in 17.3 overs, showcasing a solid batting effort led by their top and middle-order batters. 

Northern Brave Men Squads

Northern Brave Men

Bharat Popli, Josh Brown, Joe Carter, Katene Clarke, Kristian Clarke, Henry Cooper, Snehith Reddy, Matthew Fisher, Brett Hampton, Scott Johnston, Fergus Lellman, Robert O’Donnell, Ben Pomare, Jeet Raval(C), Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert(WK), Tim Southee, Neil Wagner

WLF vs NTB Outfield Report

Basin Reserve, Wellington

The Basin Reserve is renowned for its well-balanced pitch, offering an even contest between bat and ball. Early in the innings, pace bowlers often find assistance, particularly in overcast conditions, with movement and bounce on offer. However, as the match progresses, the surface typically flattens out, creating favorable conditions for batsmen to capitalize and build significant scores.

Wellington’s weather adds another dimension to games at the Basin Reserve. The city is characterized by its brisk winds and temperate climate, though sudden rain showers can disrupt play, especially during winter months. Swing bowlers can thrive under cloudy skies, making weather a pivotal factor in match outcomes.

T20 games at the Basin Reserve have delivered a variety of scenarios, from exhilarating high-scoring chases to tightly fought low-scoring battles. The average first-innings total generally falls in the range of 160-170, but on good batting days, scores exceeding 200 are not uncommon, showcasing the venue’s dynamic nature.

Wellington Firebirds vs Northern Brave Men Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In the last five head-to-head encounters between Northern Districts and Wellington, Northern Districts have dominated, winning three matches convincingly, Wellington secured a solitary victory, while one match was abandoned without a ball bowled.

WLF vs NTB Prediction

According to cricket analysts Northern Brave Men have a 60% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.