Super Smash 2024-25 to Kick Off with Defending Champions Clash

Super Smash 2024-25 to Kick Off with Defending Champions Clash

The Super Smash 2024-25, New Zealand’s premier domestic T20 cricket tournament, is set to kick off on Boxing Day with a blockbuster clash between defending champions Auckland Aces and 2021-22 and 2022-23 winners Northern Districts at Seddon Park in Hamilton. The women’s Super Smash will also commence on the same day, with Northern Brave facing Auckland Hearts at the same venue.

Defending women’s champions Wellington Blaze will begin their quest for a ninth Super Smash title on New Year’s Day against Northern Brave in Hamilton. Last year’s men’s finalists Canterbury Kings will open their campaign on the second day of the competition against Otago Volts in Alexandra, while last season’s women’s finalists Central Hinds will play their first game against Otago Sparks on December 31.

The tournament, which will run from December 26 to February 2, will be played across ten venues in New Zealand and comprise 64 games – 32 men’s and women’s double-headers. For the first time in the competition’s history, the final will be played at a pre-determined venue, with the Basin Reserve in Wellington hosting both the men’s and women’s elimination finals on February 1 and the two finals on February 2.

“The Super Smash keeps on growing in popularity and it’s really exciting to see it continue to be so accessible to kiwis across the country,” said NZC CEO Scott Weenink. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase our game to fans both new and old, while building the profiles of our domestic teams and our rising stars.”

The tournament will run concurrently with New Zealand’s men’s white-ball series against Sri Lanka, which includes T20Is and ODIs from December to January 11. The New Zealand women’s players are expected to be available for the entire Super Smash tournament.

Wellington Crowned Plunket Shield Champions After Rain-Affected Final Day

Wellington Crowned Plunket Shield Champions After Rain-Affected Final Day

Wellington have emerged victorious as the Plunket Shield champions after the final day of their match against Northern Districts in Hamilton was washed out due to inclement weather. The match at Seddon Park was a virtual final, with Wellington and Northern Districts being the only two teams in contention for the title in the final round.

Wellington entered the game with a narrow lead at the top of the table and managed to accumulate sufficient bonus points during the first two innings to maintain their advantage. Northern Districts had a glimmer of hope after Tim Seifert’s century gave them a slender lead of 88, and they had Wellington reeling at 127 for 4 in their second innings. However, they were unable to take the field on the final day, handing the title to Wellington.

Wellington captain Tom Blundell expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “Ideally, you want to see the game go the distance, but it’s a competition where you work hard throughout the season. We’re unbeaten the whole season, so I think for me, we are the deserving winners.” He added, “It’s a pretty special day. For me, the Plunket Shield is probably the most rewarding trophy in domestic cricket. You play a whole season, and to come away with the Plunket Shield is a pretty special memory.”

Blundell played a pivotal role in Wellington’s triumph, scoring a century in their first innings to lift them to 323. He shared a crucial 77-run partnership with Ben Sears for the final wicket, earning vital bonus points.

Otago’s Dale Phillips emerged as the leading run-scorer for the season, amassing 686 runs at an average of 49.00, including two centuries in the final two rounds. Central Districts’ Greg Hay, who finished third with 643 runs at 49.46, announced his retirement from the game at the end of the season, signing off with an impressive 179 off 434 balls against Otago.

Wellington’s Nathan Smith was the top wicket-taker with 33 wickets at an average of 17.18, including two five-wicket hauls.

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