New Zealand’s Premier Men’s T20 Cricket League
The Super Smash is New Zealand’s top men’s T20 cricket competition. It features fast-paced cricket across the country, with each team getting 20 overs to bat, making every match exciting and action-packed.
There are six teams in the competition, representing New Zealand’s major cricket regions. The Super Smash is also important for finding new talent. Many players who perform well here go on to represent New Zealand’s national team, the BLACKCAPS.
History of Super Smash
The Super Smash began after T20 cricket became popular worldwide. Over the years, it has grown into New Zealand’s most important domestic T20 competition and has helped many players reach the international level.
The competition started in 2005 and has changed names several times. Each change brought new formats and better fan experiences. Here’s how the tournament evolved over the years.
| Year / Era | Name of Competition | What Changed |
|---|---|---|
| 2005–06 | New Zealand Twenty20 Competition | First-ever season after ICC approved T20 format. Canterbury Wizards won the first title. |
| 2006–07 to 2008–09 | State Twenty20 | Changed to full single round-robin format with more matches. |
| 2009–10 to 2013–14 | HRV Cup / HRV Twenty20 | Added double round-robin (10 matches per team). Winners qualified for Champions League T20. |
| 2014–15 to Present | Super Smash | Got its permanent name. Sponsored by Georgie Pie, McDonald’s, Burger King, and now Dream11. |
The tournament has kept getting better each year. The sponsors have helped make it more exciting, and the format now gives every team a fair chance to compete.
Super Smash 2025-26
Schedule
The Super Smash 2025-26 season starts on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025. The tournament runs until late January 2026, with the grand final scheduled for January 31 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Below is the complete match schedule.
Match Fixtures
| Match | Date | Teams | Venue | GMT | Local | IST | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dec 26 | Northern Knights vs Auckland | Seddon Park, Hamilton | 1:10 AM | 2:10 PM | 6:40 AM | No result due to rain |
| 2 | Dec 27 | Central Districts vs Wellington | Fitzherbert Park | 3:25 AM | 4:25 PM | 8:55 AM | Central Districts won by 46 runs |
| 3 | Dec 28 | Otago vs Canterbury | Molyneux Park | 3:25 AM | 4:25 PM | 8:55 AM | Canterbury won by 28 runs |
| 4 | Dec 29 | Wellington vs Auckland | Basin Reserve | 3:25 AM | 4:25 PM | 8:55 AM | Auckland won by 5 wickets |
| 5 | Dec 30 | Otago vs Central Districts | Molyneux Park | 3:25 AM | 4:25 PM | 8:55 AM | Otago won by 41 runs |
| 6 | Dec 31 | Northern Knights vs Wellington | Bay Oval | 3:25 AM | 4:25 PM | 8:55 AM | Wellington won by 13 runs |
| 7 | Jan 1 | Canterbury vs Central Districts | Hagley Oval | 4:55 AM | 5:55 PM | 10:25 AM | Canterbury won by 36 runs |
| 8 | Jan 2 | Auckland vs Wellington | Eden Park Outer Oval | 3:25 AM | 4:25 PM | 8:55 AM | Match abandoned due to rain (with toss) |
| 9 | Jan 3 | Central Districts vs Canterbury | Saxton Oval | 3:25 AM | 4:25 PM | 8:55 AM | Canterbury won by 9 wkts |
| 10 | Jan 4 | Northern Knights vs Otago | Bay Oval | 4:55 AM | 5:55 PM | 10:25 AM | Match tied |
| 11 | Jan 6 | Auckland vs Otago | Eden Park Outer Oval | 11:40 PM (Jan 6) | 12:40 PM | 5:10 AM (Jan 7) | Auckland won by 88 runs |
| 12 | Jan 7 | Wellington vs Central Districts | Basin Reserve | 3:25 AM | 4:25 PM | 8:55 AM | Central Districts won by 2 runs |
| 13 | Jan 8 | Northern Knights vs Canterbury | Seddon Park | 1:10 AM | 2:10 PM | 6:40 AM | Northern Knights won by 87 runs |
| 14 | Jan 9 | Wellington vs Otago | Basin Reserve | 3:25 AM | 4:25 PM | 8:55 AM | Otago won by 6 wkts |
| 15 | Jan 10 | Canterbury vs Auckland | Hagley Oval | 4:55 AM | 5:55 PM | 10:25 AM | Canterbury won by 17 runs |
| 16 | Jan 11 | Wellington vs Northern Knights | Basin Reserve | 3:25 AM | 4:25 PM | 8:55 AM | Northern Knights won by 6 wkts |
| 17 | Jan 12 | Otago vs Auckland | University Oval | 3:25 AM | 4:25 PM | 8:55 AM | Auckland won by 5 wkts |
| 18 | Jan 13 | Central Districts vs Northern Knights | McLean Park | 4:55 AM | 5:55 PM | 10:25 AM | Northern Knights won by 6 wkts (2nd innings reduced to 15 overs due to Bad light, DLS target 120) |
| 19 | Jan 14 | Auckland vs Canterbury | Eden Park Outer Oval | 11:40 PM | 12:40 PM | 5:10 AM | Auckland won by 9 wkts |
| 20 | Jan 15 | Otago vs Wellington | University Oval | 3:25 AM | 4:25 PM | 8:55 AM | Otago won by 5 wickets (with 2 balls remaining) |
| 21 | Jan 16 | Central Districts vs Auckland | McLean Park | 4:55 AM | 5:55 PM | 10:25 AM | Central D won by 10 runs |
| 22 | Jan 18 | Otago vs Northern Knights | University Oval | 3:25 AM | 4:25 PM | 8:55 AM | Northern Knights won by 31 runs |
| 23 | Jan 19 | Wellington vs Canterbury | Basin Reserve | 3:25 AM | 4:25 PM | 8:55 AM | Wellington won by 88 runs |
| 24 | Jan 20 | Northern Knights vs Central Districts | Seddon Park | 4:55 AM | 5:55 PM | 10:25 AM | Match abandoned without a ball bowled |
| 25 | Jan 21 | Canterbury vs Otago | Hagley Oval | 4:55 AM | 5:55 PM | 10:25 AM | Match abandoned due to rain (without toss) |
| 26 | Jan 22 | Auckland vs Northern Knights | Eden Park Outer Oval | 3:25 AM | 4:25 PM | 8:55 AM | Northern Districts won by 107 runs |
| 27 | Jan 23 | Canterbury vs Wellington | Hagley Oval | 4:55 AM | 5:55 PM | 10:25 AM | Wellington won by 13 runs (DLS Method) |
| 28 | Jan 24 | Central Districts vs Otago | McLean Park | 4:55 AM | 5:55 PM | 10:25 AM | Central Districts won by 6 wkts |
| 29 | Jan 25 | Canterbury vs Northern Knights | Hagley Oval | 3:25 AM | 4:25 PM | 8:55 AM | No result – due to rain |
| 30 | Jan 26 | Auckland vs Central Districts | Eden Park Outer Oval | 3:25 AM | 4:25 PM | 8:55 AM | Auckland won by 9 runs (DLS method) |
| Eliminator | Jan 30 | Auckland vs Canterbury | Hagley Oval | 4:55 AM | 5:55 PM | 10:25 AM | |
| Final | Jan 31 | Northern Districts vs TBC | Hagley Oval | 4:55 AM | 5:55 PM | 10:25 AM |
The schedule spreads matches across New Zealand’s best cricket venues. This gives fans in different cities a chance to watch top-quality cricket in person.
Super Smash Teams
The Super Smash features six teams, each representing a major cricket region in New Zealand:
Auckland Aces
Canterbury Kings
Central Stags
Northern Brave
Otago Volts
Wellington Firebirds
These teams have strong local support and passionate fan bases. The rivalry between them makes every match competitive and exciting to watch.
Super Smash 2025-26
Points Table
The points table shows where each team stands in the competition.
It gets updated after every match, so fans can track their favorite team’s progress.
| Pos | Team | M | W | L | T | N/R | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northern Districts | 10 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 28 | +1.977 |
| 2 | Auckland | 10 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 24 | +0.491 |
| 3 | Canterbury | 10 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 20 | −0.864 |
| 4 | Central Districts | 10 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 18 | −0.600 |
| 5 | Otago | 10 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 16 | −0.622 |
| 6 | Wellington | 10 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 14 | +0.031 |
All teams start with zero points. As matches are played, teams earn points based on wins, losses, and other results. The top three teams will qualify for the playoffs.
Rules & Format of Super Smash
The Super Smash follows standard T20 cricket rules with some specific tournament regulations. Understanding these rules helps fans enjoy the matches better. Here are the main rules that apply to every game.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Overs | Each team bats for a maximum of 20 overs |
| Bowling Restrictions | Each bowler can bowl up to 4 overs per innings |
| Time Requirements | Teams must complete their 20 overs in about 85 minutes |
| Rain-Affected Matches (DLS Method) | The DLS method calculates revised targets in interrupted matches |
| Minimum Overs for a Result | The team batting second must face at least 5 overs |
These rules keep matches moving quickly and ensure fair play. The DLS method is particularly important because rain can interrupt matches during New Zealand’s summer.
Tournament Structure
The Super Smash uses a double round-robin league stage followed by playoffs. This format gives every team multiple chances to compete and rewards consistent performance throughout the season.
Number of Teams:
- Total Teams: 6
- Each team plays 10 matches (5 opponents × 2 matches each)
Total Matches:
- 30 league games
- 2 playoff matches (Eliminator + Final)
- Total: 32 matches in the tournament
This structure ensures every team plays in both home and away conditions. It makes the competition fair and gives fans in different regions a chance to watch matches.
Points System
Teams earn points based on their match results. The points system is simple and transparent, making it easy for fans to understand the standings. Here’s how points are awarded after each match.
| Result | Points |
|---|---|
| Win | 4 points |
| Loss | 0 points |
| Tie | 2 points |
| No Result / Abandoned | 2 points |
This system rewards winning while still giving something to teams when matches are tied or abandoned. It keeps the competition tight throughout the season.
If two or more teams finish with the same points, their ranking depends on Net Run Rate (NRR). A higher NRR gives teams a better position in the table and can decide who makes the playoffs.
Playoffs Format
Only the top three teams qualify for the playoffs at the end of the league stage. The playoff system gives the top-ranked team an advantage while giving the second and third teams a chance to compete. Here’s how qualification works.
| Position | Advances To |
|---|---|
| 1st | Grand Final |
| 2nd | Elimination Final |
| 3rd | Elimination Final |
The first-placed team goes straight to the Grand Final and waits for their opponent. The second and third teams must play the Elimination Final to earn that spot.
Elimination Final:
- Played between the 2nd and 3rd placed teams
- Winner moves to the Grand Final
- If the match ends in a tie or no result, the higher-ranked team (2nd place) goes through
Grand Final:
- 1st placed team vs Winner of Elimination Final
- The winner becomes the Super Smash Champion
This format makes every league match important. Teams fight hard to finish first and avoid the Elimination Final.
Super Smash 2025-26
Live Streaming
The Super Smash is broadcast across multiple countries with different streaming partners in each region. Below is information about where you can watch the tournament based on your location.
Streaming Platforms by Region
| Region | Platform |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | TVNZ (TVNZ Duke / TVNZ+) |
| India | FanCode |
| United Kingdom | TNT Sports / Discovery+ |
| United States | ESPN+ |
| Australia | Fox Sports / Kayo Sports |
For the most accurate information about streaming in your region, always check the official Dream11 Super Smash website at supersmash.co.nz.
Broadcasting arrangements can sometimes change, so it’s worth confirming before the season starts.
Super Smash Winners List
The Super Smash has crowned many champions over the years. Different teams have had periods of success, showing the competitive nature of the tournament. Here are all the winners from the competition.
| Season | Winner | Runner-up | Margin | Competition Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | Central Districts | Canterbury | Won by 6 wickets | Super Smash |
| 2023/24 | Auckland | Canterbury | No result (final washed out) | Super Smash |
| 2022/23 | Northern Districts | Canterbury | Won by 7 wickets | Super Smash |
| 2021/22 | Northern Districts | Canterbury | Won by 56 runs | Super Smash |
| 2020/21 | Wellington | Canterbury | Won by 5 wickets | Super Smash |
| 2019/20 | Wellington | Auckland | Won by 22 runs | Super Smash |
| 2018/19 | Central Districts | Northern Districts | Won by 67 runs | Super Smash |
| 2017/18 | Northern Districts | Central Districts | Won by 9 wickets | Super Smash |
| 2016/17 | Wellington | Central Districts | Won by 14 runs | Super Smash |
| 2015/16 | Auckland | Otago | Won by 20 runs | Super Smash |
| 2014/15 | Wellington | Auckland | Won by 6 runs | Georgie Pie Super Smash |
| 2013/14 | Northern Districts | Otago | Won by 5 wickets | Georgie Pie Super Smash |
| 2012/13 | Otago | Wellington | Won by 4 wickets | HRV Twenty20 |
| 2011/12 | Auckland | Canterbury | Won by 44 runs | HRV Cup |
| 2010/11 | Auckland | Central Districts | Won by 4 runs | HRV Cup |
| 2009/10 | Central Districts | Auckland | Won by 78 runs | HRV Cup |
| 2008/09 | Otago | Canterbury | Match abandoned | HRV Cup |
| 2007/08 | Central Districts | Northern Districts | Won by 5 wickets | State Twenty20 |
| 2006/07 | Auckland | Otago | Won by 60 runs | State Twenty20 |
| 2005/06 | Canterbury | Auckland | Won by 6 wickets | New Zealand Twenty20 Competition |
Auckland and Wellington’s four titles each show their strength over many years. Northern Districts has been strong recently with back-to-back wins in 2021-22 and 2022-23.