Auckland’s Super Smash campaign continues with a blockbuster elimination final doubleheader at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on Friday 30 January, with the HEARTS taking on the Northern Brave Women at 2.10pm, followed by the ACES facing the Canterbury Kings at 5.55pm.

Both fixtures carry sudden-death stakes, with places in Saturday’s Super Smash Finals on the line for both Auckland sides. The Wellington Blaze await the winner of the women’s elimination final, while the Northern Brave Men stand ready in the men’s final.

The afternoon contest sees the HEARTS arrive with momentum after a gritty, determined victory over the Central Hinds, a result that propelled them from fifth on the ladder to third. The HEARTS secured qualification through aggressive batting to earn a crucial second-innings bonus point, with Izzy Gaze once again leading from the front, compiling a commanding half-century (59 off 39) in a pressure situation.

That performance underlined the HEARTS’ growing belief as they head into Friday’s elimination final, knowing a place in Saturday’s championship match is within reach against a Brave side they know well.

The evening match brings its own high-scoring narrative, with the ACES coming off a thrilling final-over win against the Central Stags. Colin Munro showed his class at the top of the order with a rapid 55 off 30 balls, while Lachie Stackpole produced his maiden Super Smash fifty, blasting 66 off 36 in a standout innings.

With both Auckland teams riding winning momentum, Friday’s doubleheader shapes as a pivotal chapter in their Super Smash journeys, as the HEARTS and ACES look to carry their form through to Finals Day.

Live coverage of the HEARTS v Northern Brave Women match begins at 2.10pm, followed by the ACES v Canterbury Kings clash at 5.55pm.

Super Smash Elimination Finals
Northern Brave Women vs Auckland HEARTS | 2.10pm
Canterbury Kings Men vs Auckland ACES | 5.55pm
Friday 30 January 2026
Hagley Oval, Christchurch

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

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

Cam Fletcher is unavailable due to the imminent birth of his child. 

Article added: Wednesday 28 January 2026