Hello, Rachin!

BLACKCAPS World Cup star Rachin Ravindra is set to step up for the Wellington Firebirds as the heat goes on in this week's Super Smash.

After his head-turning century feats in India in 2023, the Firebirds welcome Ravindra back for the first time in this summer's Dream11 Super Smash, with two rounds to go and the Birds out to regain the top spot and Grand Final direct entry on the table.

The Auckland Aces' victory over the Volts today at Eden Park saw the former leaders bumped down to second spot on the table and only the top qualifier at the end of 10 rounds is assured to a place in the Grand Final, with the second and third qualifiers to square off in a sudden death Elimination Final next Friday.

PHOTOSPORT

After a game off, fellow big-hitting, spin-bowling BLACKCAP Michael Bracewell also reappears in the Firebirds squad to play defending champions Northern Brave in Wellington tomorrow from 4PM.

Remarkably, the men's winners for the past two seasons have just one win under their belt this season and time is rapidly running out to climb up the ladder for Jeet Raval's Brave.

Ravindra and Bracewell replace Michael Snedden and Gareth Severin in the Firebirds squad while BLACKCAPS Adam Milne, Devon Conway, and Ben Sears are unavailable for selection as they're with the national side playing Pakistan.

Tom Blundell and Tim Robinson are meanwhile both out for now with injuries.

Wellington Firebirds v Northern Brave

Dream11 Super Smash

Round 9 of 10

Cello Basin Reserve

Nick Kelly - captain

Muhammad Abbas

Michael Bracewell

Nick Greenwood

Troy Johnson

Callum McLachlan

Iain McPeake

Rachin Ravindra

Nathan Smith

Jesse Tashkoff

Logan van Beek

Pete Younghusband