New Zealand’s premier T20 competition returns this Boxing Day as the Super Smash 2025-26 season gets underway. The campaign begins at Hamilton’s Seddon Park, where the Northern Knights will host the Auckland Aces to kick off a summer of high-octane cricket.
The Central Stags enter the tournament as the team to beat, looking to defend their crown in a competitive double round-robin format. The schedule features 32 matches across six regional sides, all vying for a spot in the finals weekend, which is set to take place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on January 30–31.
Super Smash 2025-26: The competitors
The league features six teams mixing seasoned domestic veterans with potential international stars.
Here is a look at the contenders:
- Central Stags: The title holders will be looking to replicate last season’s winning formula.
- Auckland Aces: Known for their strong batting depth, they will look to dominate with the willow.
- Canterbury Kings: With the finals scheduled for their home ground (Hagley Oval), they have a massive incentive to go deep.
- Northern Knights: Have the honour of launching the season at home against Auckland on December 26.
- Otago Volts: Face an early test in the schedule against Canterbury.
- Wellington Firebirds: Will look to make their home games at the historic Basin Reserve count.
Super Smash 2025-26: Full squads
1) Auckland Aces
Sid Dixit, Cam Fletcher, Matt Gibson, Rohit Gulati, Bevon Jacobs, Harrish Kannan, Simon Keene, Ben Lister, Jock McKenzie, Angus Olliver, Dale Phillips, Samrath Singh, Sean Solia, Lachie Stackpole, Jordan Sussex
2) Canterbury Kings
Chad Bowes, Matt Boyle, Leo Carter, Jesse Frew, Scott Janett, Rhys Mariu, Cole McConchie, Angus Mckenzie, Cam Paul, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Michael Rae, Michael Rippon, Matt Rowe, Fraser Sheat
3) Central Stags
Doug Bracewell, Tom Bruce, Will Clark, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Toby Findlay, Dean Foxcroft, Curtis Heaphy, Jayden Lennox, Ajaz Patel, Brett Randell, Angus Schaw, Brad Schmulian, Blair Tickner, Ray Toole
4) Northern Brave
Xavier Bell, Josh Brown, Joe Carter, Katene Clarke, Kristan Clarke, Henry Cooper, Matthew Fisher, Zak Gibson, Brett Hampton, Scott Kuggeleijn, Robbie O’Donnell, Ben Pomare, Bharat Popli, Tim Pringle, Jeet Raval
5) Otago Volts
Matt Bacon, Jack Boyle, Max Chu, Mason Clarke, Jacob Cumming, Danru Ferns, Luke Georgeson, Jake Gibson, Andrew Hazeldine, Llew Johnson, Troy Johnson, Ben Lockrose, Jarrod McKay, Thorn Parkes, Jamal Todd
6) Wellington Firebirds
Liam Dudding, Nick Greenwood, James Hartshorn, Nick Kelly, Callum McLachlan, Samuel Morgan, Sam Mycock, Amogh Paranjpe, Tim Robinson, Gareth Severin, Michael Snedden, Jesse Tashkoff, Logan van Beek, Peter Younghusband, Yahya Zeb
