The Basin Reserve is New Zealand’s oldest test cricket ground and has been classified by the government as a Historic Place (Category II). The grounds were historically utilised for activities other than cricket, including as concerts, athletic events, and social gatherings; however, it is now mostly used for cricket, particularly Test matches.

Cello Communications, a Wellington-based telecoms business, was announced as the stadium’s naming rights partner on 1 October 2021, and the stadium’s commercial name was changed to Cello Basin Reserve for a two-year period. The Old Grandstand, which was completed in 1913, now houses the New Zealand Cricket Museum.

Well, I like Wellington.

Phoenix. Hurricanes. Basin Reserve. Nick Mills. Fidel’s. Lafarre. Oriental Parade. Frosty mornings. Bucket fountain. Panhead. Sky Stadium. Mount Kaukau. Jamie Williams. Firebirds and Blaze. Saints. Round the Bays. Nisbo. My family.

But I’m biased. pic.twitter.com/iG8k3f469y

— Jason Pine (@pineynz) July 13, 2020

Match details

• Wellington Firebirds v Northern Knights
• Super Smash New Zealand
• Date – 04/01/2023
• Starting time – 01:40 UTC

Batting Or Bowling Pitch?

This stadium held two matches in the previous season in which each team scored 150+ runs, indicating that this surface is completely in favour of batsmen. The surface seemed to be green, and it was easy to mistake it for a continuation of the field. There is nothing that can assist hitters score runs on a bowlers’ pitch.

Pitch report

This stadium hosted two prior season matches in which each team scored 150+ runs, demonstrating that this surface is entirely favourable to batters. The surface appeared to be green, and it was easy to mistake it for the field’s continuance. Nothing can help batters score runs off of a bowler’s pitch.

Playing 11

NORTHERN KNIGHTS

• Tim Seifert (wk)
• Anton Devcich
• Dean Brownlie (c)
• Brett Hampton
• Daryl Mitchell
• Joe Carter
• Daniel Flynn
• Scott Kuggeleijn
• Ish Sodhi
• Anurag Verma
• Brett Randell.

WELLINGTON FIREBIRDS

• Devon Conway (wk)
• Michael Pollard
• Rachin Ravindra
• Michael Bracewell (c)
• James Neesham
• Fraser Colson
• Jamie Gibson
• Malcolm Nofal
• Logan van Beek
• Ollie Newton
• Hamish Bennett.

Where to watch

All 15 Super Smash 2022-23 matches, including the elimination match and final, will be aired live on Sky Go’s digital platform (Website, App).