The inclusion of Australian all-rounder Amanda-Jade Wellington is the big news coming out of the Northern Brave camp ahead of Sunday's must-win clash against the Auckland Hearts at Bay Oval.

Amanda-Jane has been representing South Australia back in her homeland over the last two weeks but returns for Sunday, having starred in the opening rounds with four wickets and 48 runs in Brave's first three games.

The double-header on Sunday January 22 has been dubbed as Festival Day by promoters of the game, celebrating the long summer days with festival vibes as family and friends are encouraged to come down and enjoy an afternoon on the banks of Bay Oval.

The women's match against the Auckland Hearts is crucial for the league table; an anomaly in the fixtures means that the Brave are yet to play the Auckland Hearts and so have them home and away in their last four games. The Hearts are currently occupying the third and final qualifying spot, with Wellington Blaze and Canterbury Magicians well clear in first and second.

"It's a huge game for us with a lot to play for," says Brave's seam bowling overseas Phoebe Graham, who has taken four wickets so far this season.

"We've not played the Auckland Hearts yet and we can overtake them if we win both matches, starting with this Sunday.

"Different individuals have stepped up each game, and with Wellington back, we have a great opportunity to get over the line," says Phoebe.

"It's amazing to have her international experience within the side, and she brings a lot of tactical knowledge to the group as well as her all-round skillsets."

The men's league table is a lot tighter than the women's, with the Brave (M) sitting in fifth place but still having a credible chance of topping the table and hosting the finals.

The Auckland Aces are sitting in sixth position and need a win to stay in with a chance of qualifying for the final.

The Brave (M) have made two changes with BLACKCAPS left-arm seamer available for the first time in the Super Smash this season, whilst Peter Drysdale is included and is in line to make his T20 debut for the Brave. Tim Pringle and Zak Gibson are the two men to make way, both absent through injury.

It is likely that the side will continue with their spin-heavy strategy having gone with three front-line spin options all tournament.

"We've had a lot of success taking the pace off in the last three years," says off-spinner Joe Walker, who has played in every game for the side this season.

"It helps that the left-arm spinners have been able to bowl in the powerplay, so we've mixed it up well with our seam and spin.

"Looking at the table, it's so tight with every side capable of making the finals. It's great that we're able to control our own destiny in that respect and having three home games left is something we're looking forward to," says Joe.

"The conditions at the Bay Oval and Seddon Park usually suit us nicely."

Like the Brave (W), the men's side are also yet to play the Auckland Aces so far this season, with the final away game of the season being in Auckland at the end of the month.

"We always have a look at the opposition teams ahead of our matches," says Joe, who was part of the Northern Districts side that played back-to-back Ford Trophy games against Auckland in December.

"They're a strong side who haven't quite hit their straps this season but are still in with a chance of qualification. It's all to play for with the league so bunched up!"

This Sunday's double-header sees a return to Bay Oval for the Northern Brave, and the last chance for local residents to watch the Brave this season at the Mount.

"The team can't wait to get back to Bay Oval," says Phoebe.

"I made my debut here last month - the wicket was fast and bouncy, which suited our style of play."

The Northern Brave (M) play in the first game of the day against Auckland Aces starting at 1.40pm, before the women play under lights against the Auckland Hearts at 5.30pm. Gates open at 12.40pm.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for kids. For more information and tickets head to: https://ndcricket.flicket.co.nz

NORTHERN BRAVE (M) V AUCKLAND ACES

1.40pm, Sunday January 22 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

NORTHERN BRAVE (W) V AUCKLAND HEARTS

5.30pm, Sunday January 22 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui