Auckland’s Super Smash summer concludes with a blockbuster Auckland Anniversary Day doubleheader at Eden Park’s Kennards Hire Community Oval on Monday 26 January, with the HEARTS taking on the Central Hinds at 12.40pm, followed by the ACES facing the Central Stags at 4.25pm.

Both fixtures mark the final round robin matches of the Super Smash season, with Finals Weekend qualification on the line for both Auckland sides.

The afternoon contest sees the HEARTS enter their final match knowing exactly what is required to keep their finals hopes alive. A win against the Hinds is essential, with qualification for Finals Weekend also hinging on the Northern Brave Women suffering a loss later this afternoon.

The HEARTS will be looking to respond after a heartbreaking final-over defeat to the Brave on Thursday. Despite the result, there were positives to take forward, led by another composed half-century from Izzy Gaze, who struck 51 off 44 balls, while Molly Penfold and Bella Armstrong each claimed three wickets in disciplined bowling performances.

The evening match brings its own high-stakes narrative, with the Super Smash men’s ladder finely balanced heading into the final round. The ACES, the Central Stags and the Canterbury Kings are jostling for second and third positions heading into Finals Weekend, making Monday’s clash a pivotal one.

The ACES also take confidence from the return of Colin Munro, who made an immediate impact in his first match back in Auckland colours on Thursday. Munro struck a brisk 22 off 12 balls, including two sixes and a four, providing spark at the top of the order in a challenging chase.

With both Auckland teams playing their final round robin matches, the doubleheader shapes as a fitting centrepiece to Auckland Anniversary Day, offering fans an afternoon and evening of high-intensity Super Smash cricket as the season reaches its decisive phase.

Live coverage of the HEARTS v Central Hinds match begins at 12.40pm on TVNZ+ and DUKE, followed by the ACES v Central Stags clash at 4.25pm.

Super Smash matches
Auckland HEARTS vs Central Hinds Women | 12.40pm
Auckland ACES vs Central Stags Men | 4.25pm
Monday 26 January 2026
Eden Park's Kennards Hire Community Oval, Auckland

Auckland HEARTS squad: Unavailable due to injury: N/A

Auckland ACES squad Unavailable due to injury: Simon Keene, Jock McKenzie, Jordan Sussex.

Article added: Sunday 25 January 2026