Press Release: T20 champions to get the party started

Press Release



Both the men’s and women’s T20 champions will get the party started tomorrow afternoon when the first Burger King Super Smash double-header of the season gets underway at Seddon Park in Hamilton.



Women’s T20 champions the Wellington Blaze will continue their Super Smash campaign against the Northern Spirit, before the Wellington Firebirds get to work against last year’s champions the Knights.



The 2018/2019 Super Smash season will be a special one with the women’s teams now playing alongside the men in 16 double-headers scheduled throughout the season.



Blaze captain Liz Perry said the opportunity to play on the same stage as the men was a big step forward for women’s cricket at all levels of the game.



“We’re really excited to be able to show our skills at the highest level and playing in the double-headers with the men’s teams and getting the TV time will go a long way towards improving the women’s game and inspiring young women to pick up a cricket bat or ball.”



The women’s Super Smash competition started in October at the New Zealand Cricket High Performance Centre in Lincoln, where all teams played each-other once in the competitions central opening rounds.



The Blaze came away with three wins and one loss from their four matches, leaving them tied for first place on the ladder with the Canterbury Magicians and the Auckland Hearts. But they’ll be out for payback this weekend after going down by four wickets to the Spirit in their opener.



Despite the opening loss Perry said she was confident her side could go back-to-back and claim the inaugural women’s Burger King Super Smash title.



“We had a little wobble at the start there, but we came back strong in the remaining games with some good wins and we’ll be looking to continue that momentum come Saturday.”



The Blaze will be without two of their star players for the Super Smash with Sophie Devine and Rachel Priest both away competing in the Women’s Big Bash, however they still have plenty of power to call upon.



WHITE FERN Amelia Kerr, the Blaze’s top run-scorer last season, will be key with both bat and ball and Lucy Doolan, who topped the wicket-taking charts in last season’s competition, will be crucial in tying down some of the competitions big-hitting batters.



Captain Perry is also in-form after posting an unbeaten 114 in the Blaze’s Hallyburton Johnstone win over the Northern Spirit two weeks ago.



Former WHITE FERN Thamsyn Newton has returned to the side after a year-long stint away with Canterbury and will be looking to continue her strong start to the season in her quest for an international recall.



Blaze head coach Christie van Dyk said he was excited that his side have been given the opportunity to show their skills on the big stage.



“We can’t wait to provide some excitement and enthusiasm in the Super Smash. There are some really talented women in our team and I’m sure the quality of skill levels and innovation will blow the crowds away.”



The first double-header of the season starts tomorrow when the Blaze take on the Spirit at 3.45pm before the Firebirds face the Knights at 7.00pm. Coverage of both games is LIVE on Sky Sport 1.