By Victoria Hamilton 
The Road to Hagley: Super Smash 2025-26 Schedule Confirmed
Christchurch, August 2025 – New Zealand Cricket has unveiled the Super Smash 2025-26 schedule, confirming that Christchurch’s Hagley Oval will host both the elimination finals and grand finals for the men’s and women’s competitions. The decision extends the successful one-ground finals model, which last season saw the Cello Basin Reserve in Wellington deliver a blockbuster finale.
Season Overview
The season begins on Boxing Day (December 26, 2025) at Seddon Park, Hamilton, where the Northern Brave will host Auckland’s Hearts and Aces. The competition will span 32 days with 64 games scheduled, ensuring daily cricket action leading up to the last round-robin match on January 26, 2026. Finals weekend at Hagley Oval will run across the last three days of January.
The 2024-25 season set new benchmarks, with over one million viewers on TVNZ and 7.3 million digital views across NZC’s platforms, underlining Super Smash’s rising popularity as both a broadcast and live-event product.
Hagley Oval Hosts the Finals
Suzanne Pearce, Executive Manager of the Canterbury Cricket Trust, hailed the move as a major win for the venue and local community.
“It’s a huge vote of confidence in Hagley Oval, the city, and Canterbury’s cricket fans. The crowds here have been fantastic over recent seasons, and this gives them the chance to watch New Zealand’s best in their backyard,” she said.
Hagley Oval, renowned for its scenic setting between the Southern Alps and Port Hills, is expected to deliver a unique atmosphere for both players and fans.
Players’ Perspective
Tom Bruce, Central Stags captain and reigning Men’s Player of the Year, praised the competition’s intensity.
“Super Smash demands constant evolution because you play against the same teams multiple times. With BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS spread across squads, plus rising stars pushing for higher honors, the standard is incredibly high,” he said.
Bruce also stressed the importance of performing in front of large crowds and TV audiences, highlighting the tournament’s role in preparing cricketers for international stages.
Key Fixtures
- Boxing Day opener: Northern Brave vs Auckland Hearts & Aces, Seddon Park
- New Year’s Day showdown: A replay of last season’s men’s final, Canterbury Kings vs Central Stags at Hagley Oval. The Kings, runners-up five times in the last two decades, continue their pursuit of a long-awaited T20 crown.
Community Initiatives
The much-loved KFC “6’s for Surf” campaign returns, donating $100 per six hit to Surf Lifesaving NZ. Last year’s edition raised $38,100, further strengthening the bond between cricket and community causes.
With rising stars like Zak Foulkes and Bevon Jacobs breaking through last season, fans can expect another crop of young cricketers to emerge as Super Smash continues its growth as New Zealand’s premier domestic T20 competition.