Kerr’s All-Round Brilliance Propels Wellington Blaze to Eighth Consecutive Super Smash Final

Wellington Blaze continued their dominance in the Super Smash as they secured a place in the Grand Final for the eighth straight season, overpowering Northern Brave by 23 runs in the Elimination Final at the Cello Basin Reserve.

Led by Melie Kerr’s exceptional all-round performance, the defending champions set up a thrilling title clash against the Otago Sparks, the only team to have beaten them twice in the regular season.

Kerr Anchors Blaze’s Total with Crucial Knock

After being put into bat, Wellington Blaze found themselves in a battle against a disciplined Northern Brave bowling attack. Despite the pressure, Melie Kerr stood tall, top-scoring with a vital 29 off 24 balls, helping her side post a competitive 133/6 in 20 overs.

Brave’s Kayley Knight, returning from injury for her first Domestic match of the season, impressed with 2/16 in three overs, including the prized wicket of Kerr in the ninth over.

Jess Kerr & Melie Kerr Dismantle Northern Brave’s Chase

In pursuit of 134, Northern Brave had an explosive start thanks to captain Jess Watkin, who smashed 25 off just 13 balls, including a boundary off the first ball of the innings.

However, Blaze’s experience with the ball soon turned the game in their favor. Jess Kerr halted Brave’s early momentum by dismissing Watkin, reducing them to 33/3 at the end of the fourth over.

Then, it was Melie Kerr’s moment to shine again. She produced a stunning double strike in the eighth over, bowling Caitlin Gurrey (19) with her first ball and trapping Sam Barriball LBW with her fifth.

Brave were still in the contest at 96/6 in the 16th over, needing 60 runs from 60 balls, but Kerr returned to snuff out any hopes of a comeback. She removed Nensi Patel (23) and Carol Agafili in quick succession, finishing with outstanding figures of 4/19.

Blaze’s Experience Seals Comfortable Win

With Brave struggling at 102/9, Australian import Maitlan Brown (2/25) applied the finishing touches, taking the final wicket in the penultimate over.

Northern Brave was bowled out for 110, as Blaze’s big-match experience shone through, ensuring a comfortable 23-run victory with eight balls to spare.

Grand Final Showdown Set for Wellington

Blaze now advances to the Super Smash Grand Final at the Cello Basin Reserve on February 2, 2025, where they will face their biggest challengers, the Otago Sparks.