A new points structure will apply to the women's Super Smash this season to promote higher scoring cricket that aligns with the evolving standards of the international game.

Teams can only receive one bonus point - through either scoring 150 runs or more, regardless of batting first or second, or achieving a run rate of >1.25x that of the opposition in the second innings. Bonus points will not apply to the elimination and grand finals.

An internal analysis of current global trends in international and leading domestic competitions reflected a clear acceleration in scoring rates, boundaries percentages and first-innings averages, signaling a clear shift in what now constitutes competitive T20 performances.

WHITE FERNS head coach Ben Sawyer said the revised points structure will incentivise performance bevhaviours that enhance New Zealand's prospects of success on the international stage.

"It's an exciting addition to the competition," said Sawyer.

"It'll reward both aggressive batting and proactive wicket-taking bowling plans, which are the key skillsets required in this format.

"We hope that it'll encourage teams to align their style of play with international standards, which in turn elevates the domestic game and strengthen players' international readiness.

"We're expecting high scoring matches next year at the T20 World Cup in June, so this is a great opportunity for our players to get ready for that.

Sawyer acknowledged the bonus point structure is not a silver bullet that will improve the batting standards but is a step in the right direction.

"We're not suggesting that the revised points structure is the single solution.

"Individual skill, tactical awareness and coaching still plays a major role in improving the general batting standards in the women's game."

Wellington Blaze head coach Jonny Bassett-Graham said he was fully supportive of the change.

"I think it's a great development for the women's competition," said Bassett-Graham.

"It'll encourage teams to play a style that'll not only drive the standard of cricket forward but should result in entertaining T20 games.

"For the players it's about being agile enough to adapt and embrace a change that'll help them develop skillsets to break into international ranks."

The Super Smash presented by KFC begins on Friday December 26 at Seddon Park between hosts Northern Brave and Auckland Aces and Hearts.

All matches are available to watch live and free on TVNZ+ and TVNZ DUKE, with live scoring at nzc.nz and the NZC App.

I have advised the Board that I will step down as CEO of New Zealand Cricket on 30 January 2026.

After careful consideration, it has become clear that I hold a different view from several Member Associations, and the NZCPA, on the future priorities for NZC, including the long-term direction of the game and the best role for T20 cricket in New Zealand. Given these differences, I believe it is in the best interests of the organisation that new leadership takes NZC forward from here.

It has been a privilege to lead NZC, and I am proud of what the organisation has achieved in the past two and a half years. We have delivered exceptional results on and off the field, including record financial performances and the signing of long-term broadcast agreements with Sky and Sony. Our people have driven a culture of strong engagement and commitment, and NZC is now in a strong financial position.

I want to acknowledge the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS for the pride they have brought to New Zealand. Highlights for me include the WHITE FERNS winning the T20 Cricket World Cup and the BLACKCAPS series victory over India and appearance in the Champions Trophy final.

I thank my NZC colleagues for their support and dedication, along with many stakeholders I have worked closely with, and the wider cricket community who have offered private and public support throughout my time at NZC. I also appreciate the great relationships I have with the NZ Government, ICC, member nations including the BCCI and Cricket Australia, media, and our broadcast and commercial partners.

While I am saddened to leave after such a successful period, I do not wish to create ongoing instability by continuing without the support of some key stakeholders. I depart with pride in the excellent progress made by NZC during my time as CEO, and confidence in the people in NZC who will carry the game forward. I will return to the role of Executive Chair of Xceda Group, subject to regulatory approvals, in the new year. I will take with me great memories of my time with NZC.

NZC Board Chair, Diana Puketapu-Lyndon says that "NZC acknowledges and thanks Scott for his positive contribution to New Zealand Cricket during his time as CEO, and wishes him well for the future."

Former WHITE FERNS trio Anna Peterson (Auckland Cricket), Amy Satterthwaite (Canterbury Cricket) and Sarah Tsukigawa (Otago Cricket) have been appointed female pathway leads within their respective Major Associations.

Considered a key area in the growth of the women's high-performance game, the regional female pathways programme has received additional resource via a joint NZC-Major Associations co-investment aimed at accelerating progress within a system that identifies, develops, and sustains the next generation of WHITE FERNS.

NZC Female Pathways Manager Sara McGlashan, a former WHITE FERN herself, is leading the group of regional pathway managers and ensuring they can connect and learn from each other for maximum impact across the country.

The trio of former WHITE FERNS bring to the pathways diverse experience across different roles in sport.

Peterson, who represented New Zealand 65 times across the two formats, has returned to cricket after recently leading the Women and Girls Strategy at Auckland Rugby Union as the Game Development Officer.

Satterthwaite, who played 256 games for the WHITE FERNS and was appointed an MNZM in 2023 for her services to cricket, has taken on various coaching roles across Canterbury Cricket, WBBL and NZC pathway teams since retiring from international cricket in 2022.

Tsukigawa represented New Zealand 61 times during her five-year international playing career and has previously held selector and assistant coaching roles with her former domestic team the Otago Sparks.

Luke Pomfret joins the Northern Districts pathway team bringing a wealth of experience from his work in English counties Middlesex and Northamptonshire, alongside Jamie Watkins who continues to lead the CD programme using the co-investment to further grow their pathway.

The additional funding follows NZC's Project Push On, a working group established in 2024 with the purpose of building an end-to-end participation and performance system for women and girls across New Zealand, identifying a gap in the pathway system and recommending a higher level of dedicated focus.

McGlashan said the pathway leads are making a noticeable impact.

"From strengthening relationships with clubs and schools to driving high-quality training environments, they're helping create thriving pathways for young cricketers," said McGlashan.

"Environments where players feel supported, inspired, and confident to push their potential is pivotal to their development."

She said the appointment of former players was a valuable asset to the system.

"Having three former players step into pathway manager roles is enormously valuable.

"Their experience allows them to connect with players in a way that truly accelerates development and inspires the next generation on where their journey in cricket can take them."

BLACKCAPS pace bowler Blair Tickner will not bowl or field, and is unlikely to bat for the remainder of the second Test in Wellington, after dislocating his shoulder while diving to stop a boundary on day one.

Tickner, who was taken to hospital for treatment last night, will join the squad at the ground today as he awaits further specialist assessment to determine his return to play.

The Central Stags have jumped two spots up the table into second spot while the Auckland Aces held firmly onto their lead with the full 20 points in the latest round of the national Plunket Shield first-class championship.

The Stags, Aces and Northern Districts all secured outright victories in the latest batch of four-dayers, the latter two after patient affairs that boiled down to yesterday evening's final session.

Not so in Napier where the Stags despatched a strong Canterbury line-up before lunch for a comprehensive 295-run victory, chalking up a second successive win for Central that netted 17 of the maximum 20 points, and saw young batter Curtis Heaphy reach three first-class centuries in consecutive games (including a New Zealand A century v South Africa A in South Africa, and last week's second Plunket Shield round in Wellington, after having missed the opening Plunket Shield round with a hamstring injury).

In Auckland, Tim Robinson produced his third first-class century to try to spare the luckless Firebirds who fought valiantly with the bat attemepting to stave off a third consecutive defeat.

The Aces won by 162 runs when legspinner Adi Ashok took the final wicket to wrap the final innings at 323 in 100.4 overs, and the Aces' emerging left-arm spinner Rohit Gulati took another six wickets across the match to maintain his tearaway lead as the competition's top wicket-taker - now with 21 wickets from just three matches at an 18.61 average.

The country's top seamer is another unusual suspect in Central Stags allrounder Josh Clarkson with 13 wickets at 17.15 to sit second overall, behind Gulati. With his bag in the latest round, the Wellington Firebirds' attack leader Liam Dudding now also sits on 13 wickets, at a 20.46 average.

Northern's Henry Cooper remains the competition's top run-scorer this season after his double century in the previous round, and has 421 runs at a hefty 84.20 average. He's followed by Stag Brad Schmulian (373 at 76.60) after a knock of 93 in the latest round, and dashing Aucklander Bevon Jacobs with 369 at 73.80 after his century against Wellington this week.

Maintaining their status as the surprise package of 2025/26, Otago fought hard and long against Northern Districts in Hamilton but the defending champion ND eventually closed out their much needed first win in this third round - to leave the Firebirds as the only side yet to taste victory in the eight-round competition that hits its midway mark in the forthcoming round.

Zak Gibson finished with four wickets as ND dismissed Otago, while fourth-day substitute James Naylor (in for Kristian Clarke after the latter's BLACKCAPS call-up) took 2/34 before spinner Tim Pringle ended Otago's hopes of holding on for a draw at 240 all out.

ND won by 113 runs, and took 19 of the maximum 20 points, while Otago walked away with six from their first innings.

The next round is tantalising as it pits Otago against the Stags in Dunedin; Canterbury against the Aces at Hagley Oval, and Northern against the Firebirds at ND's alternate home ground in Whangārei, with 19 points separating the top five teams - all of whom will switch to T20 mode shortly for the summer's Super Smash, the begins after round four.

Round four starts at 10.30am this Saturday and, after the annual midseason intermission, will be back at the end of February 2026 for the business end of the championship.

SNAPSHOTPoints after three rounds:

• 47 Auckland Aces
• 37 Central Stags
• 32 Otago
• 28 Canterbury
• 28 Northern Districts
• 14 Wellington Firebirds

Centuries, bags, milestones in Round Three:

• Ajaz Patel (Central Stags) 400 first-class wickets (overall career)
• Toby Hart (Otago) maiden 6/73
• Liam Dudding (Wellington Firebirds) 5/67, third first-class bag, first for Wellington (previous for Central Stags)
• Dane Cleaver (Central Stags wicketkeeper) six catches in an innings, nine for the match
• Max Chu (Otago wicketkeeper) six catches in an innings, eight for the match, 19 for the season to date
• Curtis Heaphy (Central Stags) 119, fourth first-class century (third for Stags)
• Joe Carter (Northern Districts) 119 not out; 5,000 first-class career runs
• Bevon Jacobs (Auckland Aces) 125, second first-class century (both at Kennards)
• Chad Bowes (Canterbury) 100 first-class matches (all teams), Ajaz Patel's 400th victim in the second innings
• Tim Robinson (Wellington Firebirds) 106, third first-class century
• Josh Clarkson (Central Stags) 4/33, first-class career best figures
• Yahya Zeb (Wellington Firebirds, first-class debut, ex-Auckland Cricket)

Next round:

• Saturday 13‑Tuesday 16 December 2025
• University of Otago Oval, Cobham Oval, Hagley Oval

All live and completed scorecards: https://scoring.nzc.nz/comp/8e3cfb0f-59c5-4c7c-a226-4b6118e65fb6

Matt Henry, Mitchell Santner and Nathan Smith will miss the remainder of the Tegel Test Series between the BLACKCAPS and West Indies, after being ruled out by injury.

Henry (calf tear) and Smith (side strain) sustained their injuries during the drawn first Test in Christchurch, while Santner (groin) was ruled out at pre-match.

Matt Henry landed awkwardly while bowling on day four of the first Test, and subsequent scans revealed a tear in his right calf. As a result, Henry will sit out for the remainder of the Test series with the plan to return to play in January.

Nathan Smith sustained a side strain while bowling during day two of the first Test, with early indicators suggesting a return to play in three to four weeks.

Northern Districts pace-bowling all-rounder Kristian Clarke and Canterbury quick Michael Rae have received their maiden Test call-ups and trained with the squad in Wellington earlier today.

Kyle Jamieson is continuing his red-ball return-to-play plan, playing the recent Plunket Shield match for Canterbury against the Central Stags, and will continue to work closely with BLACKCAPS coaching staff on his return to the Test side.

Glenn Phillips, who joined the squad in Christchurch early as a substitute fielder, has officially been added to the Test squad for the remainder of the series.

Canterbury wicket-keeper Mitch Hay has also joined the Test squad in Wellington, as cover for Tom Blundell who suffered a hamstring tear while batting in the first Test.

Mitchell Santner's groin injury requires further rehabilitation before he can be cleared for the demands of Test cricket. Head coach Rob Walter elaborated on Santner's recovery.

"Mitchell has made great progress and is able to bat and bowl with no discomfort. There is still a risk when he runs or moves laterally, which we can't control on the cricket field."

The second Test gets underway at the Cello Basin Reserve on Wednesday at 11am NZT, live in New Zealand on TVNZ+ and TVNZ Duke, with Sport Nation and the Alternative Commentary Collective providing audio commentary.

The third and final Tegel Test begins at Bay Oval in Tauranga on December 18.

Iconic Kiwi business Wet & Forget has partnered up with NZC to become the front-of-shirt sponsor for the upcoming Super Smash season.

Following a record breaking 2024/25 season in terms of TV viewership and digital engagement, the new partnership will see Wet & Forget's branding feature prominently on the front of all Super Smash team playing kits, as well as integrated across matchday, broadcast and digital platforms throughout the competition which begins on Boxing Day.

NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink said the partnership brings together two well-loved New Zealand brands at a crucial time for the domestic game.

"We're delighted to welcome Wet & Forget into the New Zealand Cricket family as our new Super Smash front-of-shirt partner," Weenink said.

"Super Smash plays a key role in connecting families and young fans with the game over summer, and Wet & Forget is a brand that's equally embedded in Kiwi homes and communities.

"This partnership strengthens the commercial platform for Super Smash and supports our wider ambition to grow the reach and relevance of cricket across New Zealand."

Wet & Forget Chief Executive Andre Gargiulo said the partnership was a natural fit for the brand.

"We're incredibly proud to partner with New Zealand Cricket and to see Wet & Forget on the front of the Super Smash playing shirts this season," Gargiulo said.

"Cricket over summer is part of the fabric of Kiwi life – from families watching under the sun to kids replicating their heroes in the backyard – and that aligns perfectly with who we are as a brand.

"We're looking forward to bringing the partnership to life for fans around the country and supporting the continued growth of our summer game."

The new Wet & Forget-branded Super Smash kits will be officially unveiled at the 2025/26 season launch event at Sumner Beach in Christchurch tomorrow, with stars from all 12 men's and women's teams coming together to launch the competition two weeks out from the first match.

The 64-game competition will see BLACKCAPS, WHITE FERNS and rising stars battle it out in 30 double-header match-days across 32 days of round robin play from December 26 to January 26, before two days of finals action at Christchurch's Hagley Oval on January 30 and 31.

The continuous flow of Super Smash cricket will be live and free all summer on TVNZ+, TVNZ 1 and TVNZ DUKE.

NZC notes the recent media coverage regarding the review of the future of T20 cricket in New Zealand and speculation about the various options under consideration.

I want to reiterate that NZC has no pre-determined position on this and is conducting an independent and objective process, with the assistance of Deloitte, to properly assess all potential opportunities.

In matters such as this, it is not unexpected that different stakeholders will hold differing views, but please be assured that NZC is strongly committed to considering all options in good faith.

There are naturally some sensitivities and confidentiality obligations involved, and NZC is therefore limited in what it can say publicly about any of the possibilities at this time.

Suffice to say, all of the options are exciting, and any decisions taken will be made in the best interests of cricket in New Zealand and the long-term future of the sport.

With the cricket season now underway, the primary focus of NZC remains on delivering another successful summer of international, domestic and community cricket.

Scott Weenink
NZC CEO

Tom Blundell sustained a tear to his right hamstring while batting on day one of the first Test against the West Indies at Hagley Oval.

Blundell has been subsequently ruled out of the second test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, starting 10 December.

Mitchell Hay has been called into the squad, and will join the BLACKCAPS in Wellington on Sunday, 7 December.

The stage is set for New Zealand's brightest young cricketers as the National U19 Men's Tournament returns to Lincoln University next week (December 1st – 8th).

The event will showcase emerging talent from across the country, with players looking to impress ahead of the 2026 ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup in Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Several players will arrive at the tournament with valuable first-class experience under their belts, including Jaskaran Sandhu (Auckland), Aryan Mann (Northern Districts), Snehith Reddy (Northern Districts), and Mason Clarke (Otago).

The tournament also features several returning players who made a significant impact last season.

Marco Alpe (Auckland) finished among the top 10 run-scorers in the 2024/25 edition, while Hugo Bogue (Otago) and Andrew Rawnsley (Central Districts) both registered centuries.

On the bowling front, Lloyd Fellowes (Otago), Harry Waite (Auckland), and Luke Harrison (Auckland) were among the top 10 wicket-takers last year and will be looking to replicate that success.

Auckland will enter the tournament chasing history as they aim for a third consecutive title, having secured back-to-back championships in 2023-24 and 2024-25.

Beyond team success, individual players will be eager to make a strong case for selection in the New Zealand squad for the 2026 ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup, which will be staged in Namibia and Zimbabwe.

With past tournaments producing stars such as Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra, this event remains a critical stepping stone in the playing pathway.

Matches will be scored live at nzc.nz with one match per round live streamed on NZC's YouTube channel.

Auckland U19 Men: Marco Alpe, Isaac Casey, Toby Costain, Luke Harrison, Ethan Holman, Brandon Matzopoulos, Viraj Moody, Sam Openshaw, Nishil Patel, Selwin Sanjay, Jaskaran Sandhu, Jordan Van Zyl, Harry Waite

Coaches: Mike Tillett, Mohammad Wajjudin

Northern Districts U19 Men: Harry Burns (c), Jay Benefield, Reuben Carter, Liam Coombes, Abhay Kaushal, Saber Kharwin, Aryan Mann, Ryan Metcalfe, Luca Mockford, Flynn Morey, Bryn Robertson, Snehith Reddy, Monte Rolston

Coaches: Mitch Renwick, Prabodha Arthavidu.

Central Districts U19 Men: Gordon Alex, Jacob Cotter, Jordin Last-Harris, Bruno Moriarty, Connor Rees, Taene Nelley, Sascha Pickering, Alex Pringle, Carl Quinn, Andrew Rawnsley, Asher Ryan, James Ryniker Doull, Luke Holdaway.

Coaches: Kurt Leuthart, Danny Drepaul

Wellington U19 Men: Tom Bracewell, Leo Bridgman, Benny Byrne, Lex Cattermole, Arana Cronin-Stone, Cullen Donaldson, Luca Grace, Lucas Henderson, Charlie Jackson, Lewis Jeffreys, Jayden Mataira, Ollie Saunderson, Hunter Taylor

Coaches: Malinda Warnapura, Alistair Alcock

Canterbury U19 Men: Flynn Brookland, Hamish Caird, Cullen Crowe, Austin Earle, Benjamin Forrest, Flynn Holdem, Felix Huston, Jack O'Rourke, Harry O'Loughlin, Barnaby Phillips, Callum Samson, Hunter Shore, Makenzie Thomson

Coaches: Fred Anderson, Tim Muir

Otago U19 Men: Hugo Bogue, Ushila Caldera, Mason Clarke, Lloyd Fellowes, Ashton Hansen, Sam Harper, Jack Kelly, Luke Marsh, Rhys Milmine, Matt Parker, Luke Ritchie, Jack Ussher, Caleb Walker

Coaches: Shawn Hicks, Warren McSkimming

Previous Winners

• 2024/25  Auckland
• 2023/24  Auckland
• 2022/23  Wellington
• 2021/22  Central Districts
• 2020/21  Canterbury
• 2019/20  Auckland
• 2018/19  Auckland 
• 2017/18  Wellington
• 2016/17  Otago
• 2015/16  Canterbury
• 2014/15  Auckland
• 2013/14  Canterbury
• 2012/13  Canterbury 
• 2011/12  Auckland (U18) 
• 2010/11  Auckland (U18)
• 2009/10  Auckland 
• 2008/09  Canterbury 
• 2007/08  Auckland 

Northern Districts captain Jeet Raval has won the toss at a warm Bay Oval this morning where Kane Williamson makes his return to red‑ball action ahead of the upcoming Tegel Test Series between the BLACKCAPS and West Indies.

The hosts will bowl first against early leader the Auckland Aces who, along with Otago, took home the maximum 20 points from last week's opening round of national first‑class cricket.

Canterbury was the other first‑round winner (against defending champion Northern) and has since had one point deducted for a slow over rate; Canterbury remains in third spot – now on 16 points.

Henry Nicholls takes over as Canterbury captain and Tom Latham is back for the big game in Dunedin between two first‑round winners that also features brothers Jack and Matt Boyle going head‑to‑head.

Nicholls lost the toss at University of Otago Oval this morning and has been sent in to bat, while in the capital, the Firebirds will bat first after captain Tom Blundell won the toss.

It's a round with extra bite as the six teams clash with their nearest geographic adversary and the Firebirds, Stags and Northern will also be motivated to get their first win of the season in a competition that hits the quarter‑way mark after this round.

Nelson umpire John Dempsey chalks up his 50th first‑class appearance standing at the Basin in a match which features Test squad BLACKCAPS Blair Tickner and Will Young for the Central Stags – playing almost 75 years after Central and Wellington played each other for the first time at the same venue, from 1 December 1950.

This week sees the 104th first‑class match between these two teams.

All the squads and preview: https://www.nzc.nz/news-items/welcome-back-kane/

All live and completed scorecards: https://scoring.nzc.nz/comp/8e3cfb0f-59c5-4c7c-a226-4b6118e65fb6

Free livestreams at NZC YouTube | all matches are free admission

Plunket Shield points after Round One (updated)

Auckland Aces 20

Otago 20

Canterbury 16 (includes 1 point deduction for slow over rate)

Northern Districts 5

Central Stags 4

Wellington Firebirds 4

Last summer the Auckland Aces had to sit back and watch Stags captain Tom Bruce pummel 345 runs against them on his own at their home ground in Auckland, in a Stags record total of 700/5 declared.

Today they exacted revenge by defeating the Stags on Central's Palmerston North home turf with an innings victory and more than a day to spare.

The woops were loudest when they dismissed Bruce, for scores of 23 and eight, as the Stags struggled for runs in a rain‑interrupted rematch.

Aces captain Sean Solia had elected to bat on day one, the sunniest of the three days that saw them pile on a first‑innings total of 406 in 101.3 overs to set up their position.

That would be all they needed, going on to dismiss Central for 191 and 154, after having enforced the follow on this morning.

The Aces' top two all‑rounders again marked themselves as players to watch.

Brisk, athletic Simon Keene's outswingers and occasional in‑ducker netted him key top‑order wickets while Jock McKenzie claimed a bag of 5/35 mopping up the first innings in 57 overs.

Former Northern Districts and Counties rep, left‑arm spinner Rohit Gulati then helped himself to a maiden first‑class bag in the second innings on Aces first‑class debut, using their footmarks to seal the match with 5/46 for a memorable win by an innings and 61 runs.

The Stags took four first‑innings bowling bonus points with top Ford Trophy bowler Josh Clarkson again taking the wickets, but their visitors take home the full set of 20 points after a comprehensive display – set up by a startlingly quick maiden century from young batter Lachie Stackpole on the opening day.

Stackpole's 148 off 112 balls was a landmark for the confident 20‑year‑old who packs a backlift and head as still as a freeze‑frame – a work‑on over the recent winter; and plenty of power in his short, stocky frame.

For Central, one of few bright notes was debutant opener Taylor Bettelheim's fighting 62 in the follow‑on, top‑scoring for his team after the earlier misfortune of a three‑ball duck in his first innings.

The other two fixtures in the opening round are ongoing, with the Wellington Firebirds having been similarly on the ropes and in danger of a home innings defeat at the Cello Basin Reserve, but now forcing Otago to at least bat again after 150 from Nick Kelly.

Canterbury's Rangiora fixture against defending champion Northern Districts has meanwhile been an even‑stevens affair, ND currently 319/6 in their second innings and leading Canterbury overall by 308 to set up an intriguing final day tomorrow.

All live and completed scorecards: https://scoring.nzc.nz/comp/8e3cfb0f-59c5-4c7c-a226-4b6118e65fes