The 2025-26 Women’s Super Smash is set for an electrifying upgrade this season, with a revamped points system designed to ignite higher scoring games and mirror the fast-evolving demands of international T20 cricket. Officials have unveiled changes that reward aggressive play, pushing domestic teams to chase bigger totals and sharper run rates, perfect preparation for global showdowns like next year’s T20 World Cup.
Under the new rules, teams snag just one bonus point per match, earned by either blasting past 150 runs, whether batting first or chasing or posting a run rate at least 1.25 times better than their opponents in the second innings. Crucially, no bonus points will be up for grabs in the high stakes elimination or grand finals, keeping the focus razor sharp on knockout drama.
This shift stems from a deep dive into global trends across international fixtures and top domestic leagues. Data shows scoring rates surging, boundary counts climbing, and first-innings averages ballooning, redefining what makes a competitive T20 outing. It’s a clear signal: the game’s pace is accelerating, and New Zealand’s premier women’s T20 competition wants in.
White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer is all in on the tweak, hailing it as a smart nudge toward world-class habits. “It’s an exciting addition to the competition,” he enthused. The structure spotlights the twin pillars of modern T20, fearless batting firepower and cunning wicket hungry bowling tactics. Sawyer envisions teams syncing their domestic flair with international benchmarks, lifting the overall quality and priming players for the big stage.
With the T20 World Cup looming in June, expect a barrage of run fests in Super Smash. “We’re expecting high scoring matches next year at the T20 World Cup in June, so this is a great opportunity for our players to get ready for that.” Sawyer added. He tempered expectations, though, stressing it’s no magic fix. “Individual skill, tactical awareness and coaching still plays a major role in improving the general batting standards in the women’s game.”
Wellington Blaze mentor Jonny Bassett-Graham echoed the hype, throwing his full weight behind the innovation. “I think it’s a great development for the women’s competition,” said Bassett-Graham. The coach predicts it’ll spark a bolder style that not only sharpens skills but delivers edge of your seat entertainment for fans. For emerging stars, it’s a call to adapt swiftly honing the agility needed to crash through to White Ferns contention.
Kicking off on Friday, December 26, the 2025-26 Super Smash ignites at Seddon Park. Hosts Northern Brave clash with Auckland Hearts Aces in a blockbuster opener, setting the tone for a season of boundary bashing action. As teams recalibrate for the bonus point hunt, spectators are braced for the most explosive edition, yet a domestic revolution aligned with T20’s global gear shift.
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