Firebirds Unchanged for Must-Win, Blaze add Chandler | Squad News for Super Smash Round 10 vs Auckland

No changes to the Firebirds squad as they ready themselves for a must-win Dream11 Super Smash Round 10 fixture, hosting the Auckland Aces on Sunday, Feb 5th.

The Spotlight Reporting Wellington Blaze include youngster Kate Chandler in their Dream11 Super Smash squad, giving her a potential debut in the format. Maneka Singh also rejoins the team, who have already gained qualification directly to the Grand Final.

FIREBIRDS

The Firebirds will run the same squad that traveled to Hamilton last week for a clash that was rained out, leaving additions Adam Milne and Tim Robinson still waiting to make their mark on the squad.

Milne and Robinson have a golden opportunity this weekend, with the Firebirds needing a win to even have a chance of advancing in the competition.

The equation for the Firebirds is relatively simple – win your game and hope either Canterbury or Otago win both of their matchups this weekend.

With some weather potentially around Wellington on Sunday, the toss may prove more crucial than all season, giving captains Peter Younghusband and Robbie O’ Donnell a chance to pick their fate.

This Round 10 fixture will be the last Dream11 Super Smash game in Wellington of the season regardless of what happens, with the Firebirds being unable to finish in the all-important top spot of the ladder. Although the Blaze have topped their table, the final venue is decided by the top finisher in the men’s competition.

Catch the Firebirds their crucial Round 10 matchup of the Dream11 Super Smash at 1:40pm on Sunday, February 5^th when they take on the Auckland Aces at the Cello Basin Reserve. The game comes to you streaming LIVE on TVNZ 1 and Spark Sport.

BLAZE

The new-look Blaze side featuring Laura Harris and Charli Knott didn’t miss a beat after losing their WHITE FERNS players, setting a new team record score in the process of knocking off the second-place Magicians by more than 100 runs.

Leigh Kasperek and the Spotlight Reporting Blaze have a plethora of talent to choose from already and adding the bruising power of Laura Harris and Charli Knott has them on the verge of a twenty-game win streak.

Two changes to the team for the Round 10 clash, with promising young player Kate Chandler and Maneka Singh joining the side.

Kate Chandler is a Wellington and New Zealand U19 rep - at only 16 years of age, she still has so much room for growth. The allrounder piled up the runs at the U19 national tournament and took five wickets in two matches at the U19 world cup.

Having already secured their spot in the Final, the Spotlight Reporting Blaze will be looking to push their winning streak to 20 games this weekend, extending their record streak even further.

Leigh Kasperek and the Blaze will take on the Auckland Aces in the early game, starting at 10am on Sunday, February 5^th at the Cello Basin Reserve.

Wellington Blaze squad | Dream11 Super Smash | v Auckland Hearts

• Leigh Kasperek (Captain)
• Nicole Baird
• Rebecca Burns
• Dee Doughty
• Kate Chandler
• Laura Harris
• Caitlin King
• Charli Knott
• Jess McFadyen
• Maneka Singh
• Olivia Boivin
• Xara Jetly

Wellington Firebirds squad | Dream11 Super Smash | v Auckland Aces

• Peter Younghusband (c)
• Tom Blundell (wk)
• Nick Kelly
• Rachin Ravindra
• Tim Robinson
• Troy Johnson
• Adam Milne
• Ollie Newton
• Nathan Smith
• Logan van Beek
• Michael Snedden
• Jakob Bhula

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