The CENTRAL STAGS and HINDS have named their squads for their fourth home doubleheader at the top end of the Dream11 Super Smash season, both groups unchanged other than a reduction from 13 to 12 players for tomorrow's T20 clashes with the Auckland Aces and Hearts.

ASHTUTI KUMAR drops off the Hinds squad while Stag BAYLEY WIGGINS heads home to Hawke's Bay as the teams get ready for their last scheduled doubleheader at Pukekura Park this season, gates opening at 10am tomorrow.

Unlike the heavenly blue skies and hot temps that greeted the crowds on 30 and 31 December, cooler weather is anticipated this week with the possibility of showery weather - so keep an eye on our livescoring here at www.cdcricket.co.nz or the NZC app for match updates if the start times are delayed, and remember that matches can be reduced to just five overs per side so don't stray too far!

All images: MBUTCHER

The hungry Hinds are now the only winless team in the league - something they would dearly like to rewrite tomorrow, after taking their match against Northern Brave to the last ball in a tense thriller.

Meanwhile the Stags are bouncing off two impressive wins.

The men went back-to-back at Pukekura Park against the Canterbury Kings and Northern Brave and turned the tables on the previous season's results, making full use of a fast outfield and sunny skies.

DOUG BRACEWELL

Now it's the Auckland Aces' turn in the firing line, the visitors currently mid-table and coming off a rare tied match against the Otago Volts in Auckland that could prove crucial to final calculations on the table, being worth half as many points as a win.

Spinner JAYDEN LENNOX says the Stags are feeling energised after two hard fought, close games of cricket at the same ground.

"As a unit, we have been travelling well, and the crowds have been very good for the doubleheaders, with the nice Taranaki weather bringing out the locals.

"We've loved all the support, and we're looking to go three from three at Pukekura tomorrow against the Aces."

Lennox says that three games in a row also helps bring home advantage into play for Central.

"It's good that we're fairly well versed in playing there now, knowing the conditions and the areas as well.

"Other teams only get one chance in the season to play here, so we have the advantage there to put us in a good position again.

"I think we saw that in the last game where we contained well as a bowling unit at the back end, knowing that a 218 total was one we could still chase down."

JOSH CLARKSON

Powerhouse striker JOSH CLARKSON is the second highest run-scorer in the men's league nationally after pelting consecutive scores of 55, 46 not out, and 58 to tally 159 runs from his three games at a meaty 79.50 average and head-turning 214.86 strike rate.

Former Stag, now Otago Volt Dean Foxcroft is the only player ahead at the moment with 198 runs from four matches, at a 49.50 average and 120.73 strike rate.

Meanwhile for the Hinds, WHITE FERNS star HANNAH ROWE is coming off an impressive maiden T20 half ton as she continues to strengthen her all-round credentials.

Rowe smashed three sixes in her 32-ball 50 that gave the Hinds a fighting chance, after her superb 2-11 off four overs at the top with the ball.

CENTRAL HINDS open the bill at 11am

As always at Pukekura, spectators are strongly advised to arrive with plenty of time - gates open at 10am tomorrow (30 Dec) with the Hinds toss scheduled for 10.30am and the Stags match set to follow with the first ball at 2.40pm.

It's also the last chance today to buy a Mates Pack saver deal online, while Family Pass savers will be available at the gate tomorrow, as well as online. Remember if you buy a single adult ticket online it's only $15, but $20 at the gate.

After tomorrow's home games, the Stags and Hinds head to Wellington, aka Greater Wairarapa, for a rematch with the Wellington Firebirds and Blaze at the Cello Basin Reserve this Saturday, 7 January from 10am.

Your ticket gets you into both Pukekura Park games on the day!

FAQ: What can I bring in?

Both matches are live and on demand at Spark Sport

plus livescored here at www.cdcricket.co.nz

DREAM11 SUPER SMASH • ROUND FOUR

Pukekura Park, New Plymouth

11am & 2.40pm • Thursday, 5 January, 2023

Hinds toss: 10.30am

Stags toss: 2.10pm

v

Auckland Hearts

Jess Watkin (captain) — Manawatu

Georgia Atkinson — Manawatu

Ocean Bartlett — Wairarapa

Emily Cunningham — Taranaki

Flora Devonshire — Hawke’s Bay

Natalie Dodd (v-c, wicketkeeper) — Taranaki

Claudia Green — Nelson

Mikaela Greig — Manawatu

Melissa Hansen — Wairarapa

Rosemary Mair — Hawke’s Bay

Hannah Rowe — Manawatu

Kerry Tomlinson — Hawke’s Bay

COACH • Jamie Watkins

v

Auckland Aces

Tom Bruce (captain) — Taranaki

Doug Bracewell — Hawke’s Bay

Josh Clarkson — Nelson

Dane Cleaver (wicketkeeper) — Manawatu

Liam Dudding — Hawke’s Bay (uncapped)

Greg Hay — Nelson

Brett Johnson — Hawke’s Bay

Jayden Lennox — Hawke’s Bay

Brett Randell

Ben Smith — Whanganui

Ross Taylor — Manawatu/Wairarapa

Ray Toole  — Manawatu

COACH • Rob Walter

Unavailable contracted players

Ajaz Patel (BLACKCAPS in Pakistan)

Blair Tickner (BLACKCAPS in Pakistan)

Will Young (BLACKCAPS in Pakistan)

Joey Field (shoulder injury)

Seth Rance (shoulder injury)

Article added: Tuesday 03 January 2023