The Central Stags and Hinds have both named unchanged squads for their last two home games of the Dream11 Super Smash regular season - four big T20s in the space of three days, all at Napier’s McLean Park.

It’s the first time since 2021 that New Zealand’s T20 showcase has returned to Hawke’s Bay and a perfect opportunity for spectators during these sultry summer evenings to enjoy a night game, both teams taking a turn under lights across the two match days.

Monday 8 January sees the Stags first onto the park in a crunch 2pm game against the top-of-the-table Wellington Firebirds. The high-flying Hinds then play their first ever home T20 under lights from 6PM, against star-studded Wellington Blaze.

That big clash is on track to be 50th T20 cap matches for both captain Natalie Dodd and swing queen Claudia Green - and will be just the sixth time that the Hinds have played a T20 of any sort at their Napier home stadium.

Two days later (10 January), the teams will swap time slots, the Hinds hosting WHITE FERNS star Suzie Bates’s Otago Sparks from 2pm and the Stags under lights at the slightly earlier time of 5.30pm — eyeing up a win against the unpredictable Otago Volts.

Both match days will be a special occasion for Hawke’s Bay and to celebrate, Central Districts Cricket is showcasing Hawke’s Bay club cricket with "Club Day in the Bay” on 8 January.

 

 

Everyone in the crowd who wears their local cricket club tops and caps to the game will be in to win from a pool of exclusive spot prizes, including signed BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS gear and game day-only merch and souvenirs.

January 10 brings a new initiative with Central Districts Cricket proud to partner with a nationwide charity first established in New Zealand right in the heart of the Central Districts region, in Dannevirke.

After those 1996 beginnings, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of New Zealand started their second programme in Nelson - another core Central Districts region - the following year.

Since then, the Aotearoa branch of the long-established international charity has grown to provide community-based mentoring to young people nationwide.

Central Districts CEO Lance Hamilton said he was delighted to be partnering with a cause that’s so close to the hearts and purpose of his own organisation for the 10 January doubleheader.

“Cricket is a sport in which we’re all about providing leadership, guidance, inspiration and growth to young people, so to partner with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of New Zealand and celebrate the work they are doing is a very natural fit,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to raising the profile of this homegrown organisation, and encourage our supporters and spectators to get behind the great work they are doing by donating to charity collections at the games on 10 January.

“Our locals can also find out more about the training on offer to become a Big Brothers, Big Sisters mentor - rewarding volunteer roles that can really make a difference to the young people in our community.”

Gates open for both the 8 January and 10 January Super Smash match days at 1.30PM, with family pass saver deals available, and tickets online from just $5 for juniors and $15 for adults at www.cdcricket.co.nz (prices will go up at the gate).

Tickets gain you entry to both T20 games on the day.

The Hawke’s Bay public is also cordially invited to come along to the nets at nearby Nelson Park, Napier on 7 January to see how the Hinds train.

The Central Hinds’ open training session concludes at 2PM and is followed by a signing session with the whole team for kids to get autographs from all the players, as well as a chance to have some free fun playing kid-friendly Smash Play games with the stars, with Stags and Hinds kids’ inflatable activity games, spot prizes, and free giveaways.

Article added: 5 January 2024