A full circle moment for New Zealand’s premier domestic T20 competition will take place in January when Auckland’s Kennards Hire Community Oval hosts the 2026-27 women's and men's Super Smash finals more than 20 years on from hosting the competition’s inaugural final in 2006.
The 64-match competition, in what’s set to be its final season, gets underway on December 27 starting with games in Tāmaki Makaurau, Palmerston North, and Alexandra.
In a change from the usual format which saw matches taking place every day through the peak summer season, the schedule will switch to 10 individual rounds played across 10 match days leading up to the Elimination and Grand Finals, with six matches (three men’s and three women’s) taking place each round.
The traditional Super Smash doubleheader format will continue with both men’s and women’s matches being played at the same venue.
The final rounds, all to be played at the Kennards Hire Community Oval throughout Auckland Anniversary weekend January 28-30, follows the successful initiative introduced two seasons ago for all finals to be played at the same pre-determined venue to encourage a festival-like atmosphere across the four knockout matches.
Rewinding the clock to the first Super Smash final in February 2006, a stacked Canterbury line up featuring international stars Brendon McCullum, Nathan Astle, and Craig McMillan chased down 180 against Auckland with 16 balls to spare in front of a crowd of more than 4,000.
Throughout its twenty years, the Super Smash has played a vital role in unearthing some of New Zealand’s top T20 talent in the likes of Melie Kerr, Finn Allen, Sophie Devine, and Tim Robinson.
The competition has also attracted participation from high-profile international stars in the likes of Brett Lee, Ellyse Perry, Ben Stokes, Chamari Athapaththu and Muttiah Muralitharan.
Last season’s Grand Finals raised the bar when the Wellington Blaze extended their dynasty with a seventh title in nine years, including a second three-peat in that period, sealed by a thrilling chase led by Jess Kerr.
In the men's competition, the Northern Brave claimed their third title in five years under head coach and BLACKCAPS veteran BJ Watling, defeating the Canterbury Kings on their home patch Hagley Oval.
Rematches for both of last year’s finals are locked in with the Auckland Hearts facing the Wellington Blaze on January 14, and the Canterbury Kings meeting the Northern Brave on January 21.
While the Super Smash remains LIVE and free for fans, the broadcast structure has been modified this season.
24 games will be free-to-view on TVNZ+ and TVNZ DUKE, with every other match streamed live via NZC's YouTube channel.
NZC Chief Executive Geoff Allott said the final season was a chance to celebrate what the competition has given cricket in New Zealand.
“For more than 20 years, the Super Smash has been the breeding ground for our best players and has given fans a chance to see the depth of talent across our system,” he said.
"This season we want to celebrate that history and all the players who have been part of the Super Smash's whakapapa.
"We’re incredibly excited to celebrate more than 20 years of Super Smash history this summer with the finals taking place in Auckland.
“Auckland always generates a hearty crowd, and fans can expect a fitting finale as the country's best domestic players chase the Super Smash champion title."