by New Zealand’s premier women’s one-day cricket competition is back. The Hallyburton Johnstone Shield returns for its 2025-26 season with six teams battling for domestic supremacy.
This tournament represents the highest level of women’s 50-over cricket in New Zealand. It’s where future White Ferns stars emerge, established internationals maintain form, and teams chase historic glory.
The Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2025–26 Fixtures and Squads reveal a fascinating season ahead. Running from November 15, 2025, to February 21, 2026, the competition features 30 league matches plus a final.
Six teams enter with different strengths, weaknesses, and championship aspirations. Otago Sparks defend their title with a powerful squad. Canterbury Magicians rebuild after recent struggles. Auckland Hearts bring international firepower.
This analysis breaks down every fixture, examines squad depth, identifies key matches that’ll decide the season, and predicts final standings based on travel loads, back-to-back scheduling, and roster strength.
We’ll reveal which teams face the toughest schedules, which have the deepest squads, and why certain matches in December and February will determine championship outcomes.
Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2025–26 Fixtures and Squads
From fixture difficulty scores to squad depth rankings, we’ll examine what separates title contenders from playoff hopefuls in New Zealand’s most competitive women’s cricket season.
Team Strength Ranking Based on 2025–26 Fixtures Difficulty
| Rank | Team | Fixture Difficulty Score | Travel Load | Back-to-Back Matches | Advantage Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auckland Hearts | 68/100 | Low (mostly home) | 6 sets | 82/100 |
| 2 | Wellington Blaze | 71/100 | Medium | 5 sets | 76/100 |
| 3 | Otago Sparks | 74/100 | Medium-High | 6 sets | 73/100 |
| 4 | Canterbury Magicians | 76/100 | High | 7 sets | 68/100 |
| 5 | Central Hinds | 79/100 | High | 6 sets | 64/100 |
| 6 | Northern Brave Women | 82/100 | Very High | 8 sets | 59/100 |
Top 10 Key Matches in Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2025–26 Fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 28-29, 2025 | Northern Brave vs Otago Sparks (Double-header) | Whangarei | Defending champions’ first major test |
| Dec 12-13, 2025 | Auckland Hearts vs Northern Brave (Double-header) | Auckland | Battle for playoff positioning |
| Dec 12-13, 2025 | Canterbury vs Wellington (Double-header) | Rangiora | Traditional South Island rivalry |
| Feb 6-7, 2026 | Wellington vs Otago (Double-header) | Wellington | Late-season title race decider |
| Feb 6-7, 2026 | Auckland vs Central (Double-header) | Auckland | Playoff spot on the line |
| Feb 13-15, 2026 | Otago vs Canterbury (Double-header) | Dunedin | Championship implications in final round |
| Feb 13-15, 2026 | Northern vs Central (Double-header) | Mount Maunganui | Determines bottom-half final standings |
| Feb 14-15, 2026 | Wellington vs Auckland (Double-header) | Wellington | Direct playoff contention clash |
| Feb 20, 2026 | Final (TBC vs TBC) | Wellington | Championship decider |
| Dec 14, 2025 | Auckland vs Northern Brave | Auckland | Only 1:00 PM match in December |
Squad Depth Ranking for All Teams (2025–26)
| Rank | Team | Squad Size | International Players | All-Rounders | Batting Depth | Bowling Depth | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Otago Sparks | 15 | 3 (Suzie Bates+) | 4 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 92/100 |
| 2 | Auckland Hearts | 11 | 4 (Maddy Green, Lauren Down+) | 3 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 88/100 |
| 3 | Wellington Blaze | 13 | 2 (Georgia Plimmer+) | 4 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 84/100 |
| 4 | Northern Brave Women | 13 | 1 (Jess Watkin) | 5 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 79/100 |
| 5 | Central Hinds | 13 | 1 (Hannah Rowe) | 4 | 6/10 | 8/10 | 76/100 |
| 6 | Canterbury Magicians | 12 | 0 | 3 | 6/10 | 6/10 | 71/100 |
Points Table Projection Model
| Predicted Rank | Team | Projected Wins | Projected Losses | Projected Points | Championship % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Otago Sparks | 7-8 | 2-3 | 14-16 | 42% |
| 2 | Auckland Hearts | 6-7 | 3-4 | 12-14 | 28% |
| 3 | Wellington Blaze | 5-6 | 4-5 | 10-12 | 18% |
| 4 | Northern Brave Women | 4-5 | 5-6 | 8-10 | 8% |
| 5 | Central Hinds | 3-4 | 6-7 | 6-8 | 3% |
| 6 | Canterbury Magicians | 2-3 | 7-8 | 4-6 | 1% |
Fixtures Difficulty Overview
The Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2025–26 Fixtures create unequal challenges for different teams based on travel, back-to-back scheduling, and opponent strength.
Northern Brave Women face the toughest schedule with an 82/100 difficulty score. They play eight sets of back-to-back matches, requiring recovery between games played just 24 hours apart.
Their very high travel load compounds problems. Multiple trips between Whangarei, Auckland, and other venues create fatigue that affects performance in second matches of double-headers.
Auckland Hearts enjoy the easiest schedule with 68/100 difficulty. Playing mostly at home in Auckland reduces travel stress and allows better preparation between matches.
Wellington Blaze benefits from hosting the final at their home venue. If they reach the championship match, home advantage could prove decisive in a tight contest.
The February fixture congestion will separate contenders from pretenders. Teams playing February 13-15 double-headers must manage workloads carefully to avoid injuries before the final.
Central Hinds face a 79/100 difficulty rating with high travel demands between Palmerston North and away venues across both islands.
Canterbury Magicians’ 76/100 difficulty includes seven back-to-back sets, challenging their relatively shallow squad depth compared to Otago and Auckland.
Squad Strength Comparison
The Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2025–26 Squads reveal significant depth disparities that’ll influence final standings beyond just talent levels.
- Otago Sparks (92/100 Overall Score):
Suzie Bates anchors the strongest squad with 15 players. Her international experience, combined with emerging talents like Bella Jame,s creates balanced batting.
Four quality all-rounders provide tactical flexibility. Emma Black and Chloe Deerness offer bowling depth that allows rotation during back-to-back matches.
- Auckland Hearts (88/100 Overall Score):
Despite just 11 players, Auckland boasts four internationals, including captain Maddy Green and explosive opener Lauren Down.
Brooke Halliday and Bella Armstrong provide middle-order stability. However, limited squad size could hurt during injury periods or tight scheduling.
- Wellington Blaze (84/100 Overall Score):
Georgia Plimmer leads a well-balanced 13-player squad. Jess Kerr’s pace bowling combines with four capable all-rounders for tactical variety.
Home advantage for the final provides an additional edge if they reach the championship match in late February.
- Northern Brave Women (79/100 Overall Score):
Jess Watkin’s international class elevates this squad, but they lack depth behind her. Five all-rounders provide flexibility despite overall talent gaps.
Their tough fixture schedule amplifies squad weakness—back-to-back matches expose limited rotation options.
- Central Hinds (76/100 Overall Score):
Hannah Rowe’s leadership anchors a squad strong in bowling (8/10) but weaker in batting depth (6/10). Rosemary Mair provides pace quality.
High travel demands combined with moderate squad depth make consistency challenging across 10 league matches.
- Canterbury Magicians (71/100 Overall Score):
The weakest squad on paper, with zero current internationals. Izzy Sharp and Gabby Sullivan must step up significantly.
Limited all-rounder options (just 3) restrict tactical flexibility during matches. Back-to-back scheduling will test their thin roster severely.
Why Otago Sparks Start as Favourites?
Defending champions Otago Sparks enter the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Women 2025 as 42% favorites to repeat based on squad strength and fixture analysis.
Suzie Bates remains one of world cricket’s most consistent performers. Her presence alone elevates Otago’s batting from good to championship-caliber.
Squad depth of 15 players provides crucial rotation during February’s congested schedule. Other teams will fatigue while Otago rests key bowlers.
Their 92/100 overall squad score leads all teams by a significant margin. Balanced batting (9/10) and strong bowling (8/10) create no obvious weaknesses.
Four quality all-rounders allow tactical adjustments mid-match. If batting struggles, all-rounders extend the order. If bowling needs support, they provide overs.
Medium-high travel load (74/100 difficulty) is manageable for a deep squad. Unlike Northern Brave’s crushing schedule, Otago can rotate without quality drop-off.
Historical momentum matters. Defending champions understand the pressure of expectations and have systems for handling title race stress.
Their only vulnerability: complacency. If Otago assumes the title is theirs, Auckland or Wellington could exploit any lapses in focus.
Why Certain Fixtures Will Decide the Season?
The Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Women 2025 schedule contains specific matches that’ll determine championship outcomes based on timing and opponent matchups.
- November 28-29 Double-Header: Northern Brave vs Otago Sparks
This early test reveals whether Otago’s championship form survived the off-season. Northern Brave’s tough schedule starts here—losing both demoralizes them.
Otago winning both sets early tone, while Northern taking even one match proves they’re playoff contenders despite difficult fixtures.
- December 12-14 Weekend: Three Double-Headers
Auckland hosts Northern Brave twice, while Canterbury faces Wellington, and Central meets Otago. Six matches in three days create momentum swings.
Auckland must sweep Northern to establish top-two credentials. Canterbury needs at least one Wellington win to avoid bottom-dwelling. Central tests Otago’s depth.
- February 6-7 Double-Headers: Title Race Crunch Time
Wellington hosts Otago twice while Auckland faces Central. With playoffs approaching, these matches likely determine final standings.
If Otago and Wellington are neck-and-neck in points, this double-header effectively decides first place. Auckland must dominate Central to secure a playoff berth.
- February 13-15 Final Round: Simultaneous Climax
All teams play final matches simultaneously to prevent tactical manipulation. Otago faces Canterbury, Northern meets Central, and Wellington hosts Auckland.
Championship races could come down to net run rate if teams finish level on points. Aggressive batting and bowling matter beyond just winning.
How Fans Can Track Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Live Score?
Following the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield live score updates requires knowing which platforms provide real-time information throughout the tournament.
- Official NZC Website:
New Zealand Cricket’s official website offers ball-by-ball commentary, live scores, and match statistics. Free access without subscription requirements.
The Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2025 live score appears on their dedicated tournament page with automatic updates every over.
- NZC YouTube Channel:
Live streaming on YouTube provides visual coverage plus live score graphics. Fans can watch matches while seeing the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Women 2025 live score simultaneously.
- Styx Sports Subscription:
Premium option for dedicated fans wanting enhanced coverage. Multiple camera angles, expert commentary, and detailed statistics beyond basic live scores.
- Social Media Updates:
NZC’s Twitter and Facebook accounts post score updates during key moments. Follow @BLACKCAPS and @WHITE_FERNS for Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Women live notifications.
- Mobile Score Apps:
Cricket-specific apps like ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz cover major domestic tournaments, including the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield ODI 2025.
The Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Women 2025 points table updates automatically on NZC’s website after each match, showing current standings and net run rates.
Early Prediction Based on Data
Analyzing Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2025–26 Fixtures and Squads together reveals likely championship outcomes before a ball is bowled.
Predicted Final Standings:
- Otago Sparks – 7-8 wins, 14-16 points
- Auckland Hearts – 6-7 wins, 12-14 points
- Wellington Blaze – 5-6 wins, 10-12 points
- Northern Brave Women – 4-5 wins, 8-10 points
- Central Hinds – 3-4 wins, 6-8 points
- Canterbury Magicians – 2-3 wins, 4-6 points
Final Prediction: Otago Sparks defeat Auckland Hearts
The championship final likely features defending champions Otago against Auckland’s international-laden squad.
Otago’s superior depth (15 vs 11 players) and all-rounder flexibility give them an edge in the 50-over format. Auckland’s batting firepower keeps them competitive.
Wellington remains a dark horse if Georgia Plimmer hits form. Home final advantage could carry them past Auckland in a potential upset.
Northern Brave’s brutal schedule prevents a playoff push despite a decent squad. Canterbury and Central battle to avoid last place.
The Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Women 2025 points table will likely show a tight race for second place between Auckland and Wellington throughout February.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2025–26 start?
The tournament begins November 15, 2025, with three double-headers: Northern Brave vs Wellington, Canterbury vs Central, and Otago vs Auckland.
- Where can I watch Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2025 matches live?
Free live streaming is available on New Zealand Cricket’s official website and its YouTube channel. Styx Sports offers premium subscription coverage.
- Which team is favored to win the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Women 2025?
Otago Sparks are 42% favorites as defending champions with the strongest squad (92/100 rating) led by international star Suzie Bates.
- How many teams participate in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2025–26?
Six teams compete: Auckland Hearts, Canterbury Magicians, Central Hinds, Northern Brave Women, Otago Sparks, and Wellington Blaze in a double round-robin format.
- When is the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2025–26 final?
The championship final is scheduled for February 20, 2026, at Wellington’s Basin Reserve, featuring the top two teams from league play.
Conclusion: Data-Driven Season Preview
The Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2025–26 Fixtures and Squads analysis reveals Otago Sparks’ clear championship advantage through superior squad depth (15 players, 92/100 rating) and manageable fixture difficulty (74/100).
Their four quality all-rounders and Suzie Bates’ international class create a balanced team capable of handling February’s congested schedule.
Auckland Hearts emerge as the strongest challengers despite a smaller 11-player squad, leveraging four internationals, including Maddy Green, and favorable home-heavy fixtures (68/100 difficulty).
Wellington Blaze’s home final advantage and balanced 13-player roster make them dangerous dark horses if Georgia Plimmer maintains form.
Fixture analysis exposes Northern Brave Women’s challenges with a brutal 82/100 difficulty score and eight back-to-back match sets, creating fatigue risks.
Canterbury Magicians’ lack of current internationals and thin all-rounder depth (just 3) positions them as likely cellar-dwellers despite moderate 76/100 fixture difficulty.
The predicted final—Otago defeating Auckland reflects squad depth triumph over individual talent concentration in the 50-over format, requiring rotation and tactical flexibility across 10 league matches plus playoffs.
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