The 2025-26 Super Smash season reached a thrilling conclusion at Hagley Oval, delivering a double-dose of heartbreak for Canterbury fans and a masterclass in power-hitting from the newly crowned champions. While Northern Districts (ND) secured their fifth men’s title with a dominant display of “Bash Brother” fireworks, the Wellington Blaze proved their dynasty remains unshakable, clinching their tenth overall women’s trophy.
Northern Districts’ “Bash Brothers” Overpower Canterbury in Christchurch
Canterbury entered the men’s final with high hopes of ending a title drought dating back to 2005-06. Despite a gritty recovery led by Mitch Hay and Leo Carter—who set a record sixth-wicket partnership of 114 runs to propel Canterbury to 171—the total proved insufficient against a rampant Northern Districts top order.
Brett Hampton was the undisputed star of the show. After a clinical bowling spell where he claimed 3 for 37, Hampton swapped the ball for the bat to dismantle the Canterbury attack. Alongside Player of the Tournament Katene Clarke, who finished the season with a staggering 431 runs, Hampton helped ND plunder 73 runs in the powerplay. Hampton’s 23-ball fifty included five massive sixes, one of which cleared the Hagley Oval roof.
Though Canterbury’s Michael Rae managed to remove both openers in quick succession, the foundation was laid. Joe Carter (47*) and Scott Kuggeleijn (23*) maintained the tempo, guiding ND to a five-wicket victory with 13 balls to spare. ND captain Robert O’Donnell praised the “magic” of the Hampton-Clarke opening duo, noting that an injury-forced lineup change had inadvertently unlocked the most dangerous pair in the competition.
Jess Kerr Leads Wellington Blaze to a Historic Tenth Title
In the women’s final, the Wellington Blaze faced a daunting task: winning a trophy without their superstar Amelia Kerr, who had departed early for the WPL. Step forward sister Jess Kerr, who took over the captaincy mid-season and delivered a performance for the ages against the Auckland Hearts.
Chasing 147 for victory, Wellington appeared to be in control before a mid-innings collapse saw them lose four wickets for just 31 runs. With the pressure mounting and 16 runs required off the final over, Jess Kerr took matters into her own hands. She smashed two sixes and a four off Holly Halliday to seal the five-wicket win with a ball to spare, finishing unbeaten on 46 from 26 deliveries.
Earlier in the day, Xara Jetly had been the standout with the ball, taking 2 for 27 to keep Auckland to a manageable 146 for 5. Reflecting on the victory, Kerr emphasized the importance of self-belief in high-pressure “free-hit” situations. The win marks Wellington’s seventh title in the last nine seasons, cementing their status as the most dominant force in New Zealand domestic women’s cricket.
