Your Ultimate Guide to the Super Smash 2025-26: Fixtures, Teams & How to Watch
The roar of the crowd, the crack of the willow under lights – New Zealand’s premier domestic T20 competition, the Super Smash, is back for another explosive summer. As we look ahead to the 2025-26 season, the action promises to be fiercer than ever, with six teams vying for the coveted trophy. For Australian cricket fans, it’s the perfect off-season fix, showcasing world-class Kiwi talent and thrilling, fast-paced contests.
With the previous 2024-25 season wrapping up with the Central Stags claiming a dramatic six-wicket victory in the final, the stage is set for a new chapter. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the upcoming tournament: the full schedule, competing teams, key players to watch, and exactly how you can catch all the action from across the ditch.
The 2025-26 Super Smash: Tournament Format & Teams
The Super Smash follows a straightforward and exciting format. The six regional teams play each other twice in a round-robin stage, leading to a top-three finals series. The team that finishes first on the ladder earns a direct pass to the Grand Final, while the second and third-placed teams battle it out in an Eliminator for the right to challenge them.
The same six powerhouse franchises return, each boasting a mix of international stars and local heroes:
- Auckland Aces: Perennial contenders based at Eden Park.
- Canterbury Kings: A strong Christchurch-based side.
- Central Stags: The defending champions from the Central Districts.
- Northern Brave: Representing the northern region, formerly known as the Northern Knights.
- Otago Volts: The southernmost team from Dunedin and Otago.
- Wellington Firebirds: The capital city’s team, always a formidable opponent.
Full 2025-26 Super Smash Schedule & Key Fixtures
The tournament is set to ignite in late 2025 and run through the heart of the Australian summer, providing perfect evening viewing. Below is a curated table of some of the key fixtures to mark in your calendar. All times are local to New Zealand; remember to adjust for Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).
| Date | Match | Venue | Local Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, 1 Jan 2026 | Match 7: Canterbury vs Central Stags | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 5:55 PM |
| Fri, 2 Jan 2026 | Match 8: Auckland vs Wellington | Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland | 4:25 PM |
| Sat, 10 Jan 2026 | Match 15: Canterbury vs Auckland | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 5:55 PM |
| Thu, 22 Jan 2026 | Match 26: Auckland vs Northern Brave | Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland | 4:25 PM |
| Sun, 25 Jan 2026 | Match 29: Canterbury vs Northern Brave | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 4:25 PM |
| Mon, 26 Jan 2026 (Australia Day) | Match 30: Auckland vs Central Stags | Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland | 4:25 PM |
Players to Watch in Super Smash 2025-26
The Super Smash is a breeding ground for spectacular talent. Keep an eye on players like Glenn Phillips, whose ambidextrous hitting prowess – including batting left-handed to smash sixes – has become the stuff of highlight reels. Young bowlers like Lachlan Stackpole also use the platform to announce themselves, taking crucial wickets with clever variations. These moments of individual brilliance often decide tight matches and make the tournament unmissable.
How to Watch the Super Smash in Australia
Good news for Aussie fans: watching the Super Smash is straightforward. In New Zealand, every match is broadcast live and free on TVNZ+. International streaming rights are typically held by major sports broadcasters. For the 2025-26 season, it is anticipated that coverage will be available in Australia via streaming services like Kayo Sports or through the ESPN digital platform, which has historically carried live scores and ball-by-ball commentary. Always check local listings as the season approaches for confirmed broadcast details.
“The Super Smash presented by KFC begins at 2.10pm at Seddon Park with every match this summer available to watch live and free on TVNZ+.” – New Zealand Cricket
Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fanatic or just love the excitement of T20, the Super Smash delivers high-octane entertainment. With a convenient schedule for Australian viewers and a lineup full of world-beaters, it’s the perfect cricket companion for our summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the last Super Smash tournament?
The Central Stags won the Super Smash 2024-25 title, securing a victory in the final by 6 wickets.
How many teams play in the Super Smash?
Six teams compete in the Super Smash: Auckland Aces, Canterbury Kings, Central Stags, Northern Brave, Otago Volts, and Wellington Firebirds.
Where can I watch the Super Smash in Australia?
While official broadcast details for the 2025-26 season are yet to be fully confirmed, it is expected to be available on streaming platforms such as Kayo Sports or via ESPN’s digital services. The matches are freely available on TVNZ+ within New Zealand.
When does the Super Smash 2025-26 start?
The tournament is scheduled to begin in late December 2025, with key fixtures running throughout January 2026. The opening match is likely to feature the Northern Brave hosting the Auckland Aces at Seddon Park in Hamilton.