Wellington vs Northern Districts Match Prediction | Super Smash 2025-26 | 16th Match | Jan 11 – Who will win today’s match between WELL vs ND?

WELL vs. ND Match Analysis

At the Basin Reserve in Wellington, the Super Smash reaches a decisive phase as the 16th match unfolds in brisk mid-morning conditions. With both sides needing momentum, timing, venue behavior, and squad balance make this contest tactically significant rather than merely routine.

Wellington enter after a difficult home outing against Otago, where 150/7 proved insufficient on a surface that demanded sharper execution. With recent form reading L W NR L L, the mood is cautious but not dispirited. Under Tom Blundell, WELL remain a side capable of quick recalibration, particularly if their top order finds early fluency.

Northern Districts arrive buoyed by a commanding win over Canterbury in Hamilton, posting 240/4 and winning by 87 runs. Their recent pattern (L NR L R W) masks a side whose ceiling is high when the batting clicks. Led by Ben Pomare, ND combine power, depth, and bowling options that can exploit any early movement.

Wellington vs Northern Districts Match Details

Basin Reserve, Wellington Pitch Report

The Basin Reserve is expected to offer early assistance to pace bowlers before settling into a truer batting surface. New-ball movement should reward discipline and seam position, while batters who survive the initial phase can capitalize on consistent bounce. Totals around the mid-160s remain competitive, but clean striking later can push scores higher.

Weather Report

Typical Wellington conditions are forecast: clear, breezy, and cool. Afternoon temperatures hover near 20°C, dropping toward 14°C later, with strong southerly winds (25–35 km/h) creating a noticeable wind-chill. Dew is not a major factor, but the breeze could influence aerial shots and assist swing, particularly during the first few overs.

WELL vs ND Head-to-Head Records

Wellington vs. Northern Districts Team Preview & Squads

Wellington

Tom Blundell’s leadership centers on composure and situational clarity. In tight chases or when recalibrating after early losses, his approach prioritizes risk management over bravado. After the defeat to Otago, the captain’s role is less about overhaul and more about restoring discipline, particularly in the powerplay, where WELL must avoid allowing the ball to dictate terms.

Batting hinges on structure rather than raw explosiveness. Callum McLachlan remains the designated engine, while Rachin Ravindra’s adaptability across phases offers balance, capable of rotating early and accelerating when the field spreads. The challenge is converting starts into platform totals; the last match showed that competitive scores here require both intent and patience through the seam-friendly opening overs.

Bowling is built around control and late-innings impact. Logan van Beek leads the attack with pace and accuracy, while the presence of Adam Milne and Ben Sears adds genuine wicket-taking threat if the breeze aids movement. All-round depth from Ravindra allows tactical flexibility, but execution in the first six overs will be decisive on this surface.

Wellington Squads 

Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell, Liam Dudding, Nick Greenwood, James Hartshorn, Nick Kelly, Callum McLachlan, Adam Milne, Samuel Morgan, Sam Mycock, Amogh Paranjpe, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Gareth Severin, Michael Snedden, Jesse Tashkoff, Logan van Beek, Peter Younghusband, Yahya Zeb

Northern Districts

Ben Pomare captains a side riding the confidence of a dominant previous performance. His stewardship emphasizes proactive match-ups and aggressive batting intent, especially when conditions allow. After dismantling Canterbury, ND arrive with the psychological edge of knowing their ceiling can overwhelm quality opposition if they impose themselves early.

Batting is their defining asset. Katene Clarke’s recent 97 underscored his ability to control tempo while still clearing the ropes, and he is well supported by a deep order featuring Joe Carter, Henry Cooper, and Bharat Popli. The lineup’s breadth reduces pressure on any single phase; ND can attack in clusters rather than in isolated bursts, an advantage on grounds where timing improves after the initial movement.

With the ball, ND possess variety and penetration. Matthew Fisher spearheads the pace unit with the new ball, while Scott Kuggeleijn’s all-round influence provides balance across middle and death overs. Tim Pringle offers spin control if the surface flattens, and the overall composition allows Pomare to rotate options based on wind direction and batter match-ups.

Northern Districts Squads

Xavier Bell, Josh Brown, Joe Carter, Katene Clarke, Kristian Clarke, Henry Cooper, Matthew Fisher, Zak Gibson, Brett Hampton, Scott Kuggeleijn, Robert O’Donnell, Dale Phillips, Ben Pomare, Bharat Popli, Tim Pringle, Jeet Raval, Lachlan Stackpole

WELL vs. ND Prediction

According to cricket analysts Northern Districts have a 53% chance of Winning.

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.

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