Ben Sears Returns to Firebirds, Blaze Unchanged for Xmas Eve

After a successful double-header to start the Dream 11 Super Smash, there are minimal changes across the squads heading into Round 2 at the Cello Basin Reserve on Christmas Eve.

Both the Firebirds and Spotlight Reporting Blaze enjoyed home wins to start their campaigns, which included a record-setting total for the Firebirds off the back of Tim Robinson’s 139, the second-highest score by an individual in Super Smash history.

Ben Sears has been released by the BLACKCAPS to play in this fixture, giving him a chance to play as a frontline seamer against a tough Auckland squad. He will return to the national side after this match.

The other BLACKCAPS players remain unavailable to selection due to their duties with the team, with Tom Blundell being the only Firebird not also in the squad for the T20s against Bangladesh. The last ODI will be played today in Napier.

The Spotlight Reporting Wellington Blaze are unchanged from the side that won comfortably in their first outing of the Super Smash, with the bowlers restricting Otago after setting a good total.

With the international players back in the fold, the matchup against Auckland will prove difficult, as they feature several WHITE FERNS, including ex-Blaze star Maddy Green.

Sophie Devine is the only unavailable Blaze player for this fixture, as she is on a wellness break following a heavy schedule of cricket.

This intriguing matchup has the early start time tomorrow, getting underway at 10am local time, before the Firebirds and Aces continue the Christmas Eve festivities from 1:30pm.

Round 2 of the Dream11 Super Smash for the Firebirds and Blaze will take place as they face Auckland at the Cello Basin Reserve on Sunday 24th December 2023. The game will stream live on TVNZ+ and TVNZ Duke.

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Spotlight Reporting Wellington Blaze | Dream11 Super Smash Round 2 | Cello Basin Reserve

Amelia Kerr (C)

Leigh Kasperek (VC)

Nicole Baird

Rebecca Burns

Kate Chandler

Natasha Codyre

Jess Kerr

Caitlin King

Jess McFadyen

Georgia Plimmer

Gemma Sims

Xara Jetly

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Wellington Firebirds | Dream11 Super Smash Round 2 | Cello Basin Reserve

Nick Kelly (C)

Muhammad Abbas

Nick Greenwood

Troy Johnson

Callum McLachlan

Ollie Newton

Tim Robinson

Ben Sears

Nathan Smith

Jesse Tashkoff

Logan van Beek

Pete Younghusband