The Ford Trophy action continues as Wellington takes on Northern Districts in a crucial ODI encounter at the windy Basin Reserve. Both teams are looking to regain momentum, making this a high stakes game for your fantasy contests. With in form players like Tom Blundell and Scott Kuggeleijn set to take the field, this match offers excellent opportunities for those targeting the Winning Zone in Mega Leagues.

Match Details

• Match: Northern Districts vs Wellington (ND vs WF)
• Date: 17 Feb 2026
• Time: 03:00 AM IST (10:30 AM Local NZDT)
• Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington

Live Streaming & Broadcast Details

Cricket fans in India can catch the live action on the FanCode app and website. There is no confirmed telecast on standard TV channels for this specific domestic fixture.

Weather Report

Wellington is known for its wind, and this match should be no exception. The temperature is expected to hover around 18°C to 20°C with moderate humidity. The Wind factor will play a massive role, likely aiding swing bowlers early on. There is a low probability of rain, so we expect a full game. The Dew factor is unlikely to be significant given the day match timing.

Pitch Report & Venue Stats

The surface at Basin Reserve is traditionally a paradise for seamers, especially with the new ball. The stats back this up heavily:

• Pitch Nature: Pace friendly with bounce.
• Pace vs Spin: Pacers have taken 46 wickets in the last 5 matches, compared to just 23 wickets by Spinners.
• Average Score: The average first innings score is 247 runs.

Fantasy Takeaway: Load your fantasy team with fast bowlers who can move the ball. Batters who can handle the initial swing, like Tom Blundell, are valuable assets.

Team Form & Head to-Head

Wellington (WF)

• Last 5 Matches: L W W L L
• Recent Form: They have been inconsistent but strong at home. Tim Robinson scored a brilliant 100 runs recently at this venue.
• H2H: Wellington has a decent record at home against ND.

Northern Districts (ND)

• Last 5 Matches: W L L L L
• Recent Form: Struggling for consistency, with only one win in the last five. However, Scott Kuggeleijn has been a standout performer with 12 wickets in the series.
• H2H: Historically, Northern Districts has secured 13 wins in head to-head contests.

Injury Updates & Player Availability

• Tom Blundell and Nathan Smith are fully fit and expected to play key roles for Wellington.
• Scott Kuggeleijn is available and is a top pick for Northern Districts.
• Check for any last minute niggles at the toss, but currently, both squads look stable.

Probable Playing XI

Wellington

Tim Robinson, Nick Greenwood, Gareth Severin, Nick Kelly, Muhammad Abbas, Tom Blundell, Nathan Smith, Peter Younghusband, Jesse Tashkoff, Liam Dudding, James Hartshorn

Northern Districts

Katene Clarke, Henry Cooper, Brett Hampton, Robert O'Donnell, Fergus Lellman, Xavier Bell, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tim Pringle, Joshua Brown, Zak Gibson, Cooper Rowell

Key Players to Watch

• Scott Kuggeleijn: He is a must have. With 12 wickets in the series and a fantasy average of 100.4 points, he thrives in conditions that offer pace and bounce.
• Tom Blundell: The wicketkeeper batter has scored 339 runs in the series with a high average of 101.2 fantasy points. He is arguably the safest captaincy choice.
• Tim Pringle: Despite the conditions favoring pace, Tim Pringle has been consistent, taking 11 wickets in the series. He provides value with both bat and ball.
• Tim Robinson: He enjoys batting at Basin Reserve, having scored a century (100 runs) here recently. He is a high potential batter for your fantasy team.
• Peter Younghusband: A reliable all rounder for Wellington, averaging 96.4 points per match in this series.

Fantasy Picks

Small League Safe Picks

• Tom Blundell
• Scott Kuggeleijn
• Tim Pringle
• Peter Younghusband

Mega League Differential Picks

• Nathan Smith: He has low selection but high potential on a green track like Basin Reserve.
• Robert O'Donnell: A solid middle order batter who can anchor the innings if early wickets fall.

Match Prediction / Outlook

Given the home advantage and the current form of their key players like Tom Blundell, Wellington starts as the slight favorite. However, the contest will likely be decided by the battle between Wellington's batters and Northern Districts' pacers. Expect Pacers to dominate the fantasy points leaderboard.

Disclaimer

This analysis is based on statistics and current form. Always check the Final Playing XI and Toss updates before locking your fantasy team.