Super Smash, New Zealand’s premier domestic Twenty20 rivalry’s has delivered exceptional cricket entertainment since 2005, showcasing the country’s finest talent and producing future Black Caps stars.
Players like Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Martin Guptill all honed their skills in this tournament before becoming international superstars.
Auckland leads the championship race with 5 titles, proving that dominance in New Zealand’s T20 landscape.
Let’s dive into the complete history of New Zealand’s most exciting domestic cricket competition.
Super Smash Winners from 2005 to 2026
Here’s the complete list of champions across all seasons:
| Season | Winner | Runner-up | Margin | Competition Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | Central Districts | Canterbury | Won by 6 wickets | Super Smash |
| 2023/24 | Auckland | Canterbury | No result (final washed out) | Super Smash |
| 2022/23 | Northern Districts | Canterbury | Won by 7 wickets | Super Smash |
| 2021/22 | Northern Districts | Canterbury | Won by 56 runs | Super Smash |
| 2020/21 | Wellington | Canterbury | Won by 5 wickets | Super Smash |
| 2019/20 | Wellington | Auckland | Won by 22 runs | Super Smash |
| 2018/19 | Central Districts | Northern Districts | Won by 67 runs | Super Smash |
| 2017/18 | Northern Districts | Central Districts | won by 9 wickets | Super Smash |
| 2016/17 | Wellington | Central Districts | Won by 14 runs | Super Smash |
| 2015/16 | Auckland | Otago | Won by 20 runs | Super Smash |
| 2014/15 | Wellington | Auckland | Won by 6 runs | Georgie Pie Super Smash |
| 2013/14 | Northern Districts | Otago | Won by 5 wickets | Georgie Pie Super Smash |
| 2012/13 | Otago | Wellington | Won by 4 wickets | HRV Twenty20 |
| 2011/12 | Auckland | Canterbury | Won by 44 runs | HRV Cup |
| 2010/11 | Auckland | Central Districts | Won by 4 runs | HRV Cup |
| 2009/10 | Central Districts | Auckland | Won by 78 runs | HRV Cup |
| 2008/09 | Otago | Canterbury | Match abandoned | HRV Cup |
| 2007/08 | Central Districts | Northern Districts | Won by 5 wickets | State Twenty20 |
| 2006/07 | Auckland | Otago | Won by 60 runs | State Twenty20 |
| 2005/06 | Canterbury | Auckland | Won by 6 wickets | New Zealand Twenty20 Competition |
1. Central Districts (2024/25)
The Stags clinched their fourth Super Smash title by defeating Canterbury by 6 wickets on February 2, 2025, at Wellington.
Chasing 137, Central Districts reached the target in 17.2 overs, thanks to Dane Cleaver’s 43 off 34 and Will Young’s steady 35. Their composed batting display capped off a near-perfect season for the Stags.
Player of the Match: Dane Cleaver
2. Auckland (2023/24)
The 2023/24 final between Auckland and Canterbury ended in a no result due to rain, but Auckland were crowned champions based on their superior league-stage performance. This gave the Aces their record fifth title, further cementing their status as New Zealand’s most successful T20 side.
It was a bittersweet finish to what had been a dominant campaign — Auckland had topped the points table with a stellar win-loss record. Their balanced squad, led by Mark Chapman and Ben Horne, had displayed both explosive batting and disciplined bowling throughout the season.
3. Northern Districts (2022/23)
The Knights made it back-to-back titles, chasing down 155 with 12 balls to spare against Canterbury. Tim Seifert (51 off 40) and Joe Carter (30 off 19)* led the way as Northern Districts cruised home at 156/3 (18 overs).
Their calm and methodical approach under pressure showed just how much the team had matured since their previous triumph. Once again, their bowling unit, led by Brett Hampton, kept Canterbury’s strong batting lineup under control.
Player of the Match: Tim Seifert
4. Northern Districts (2021/22)
Northern Districts produced a clinical all-round performance in the 2021/22 final, defeating Canterbury by 56 runs.
Their imposing total of 217/5, powered by Katene Clarke’s 71 (34) and Mitchell Santner’s 92 (40), proved too much as Canterbury were bowled out for 161.
Player of the Match: Mitchell Santner
5. Wellington (2020/21)
The Firebirds claimed their fourth Super Smash title on February 13, 2021, defeating Canterbury by 5 wickets in a thrilling final at the Basin Reserve. Canterbury posted 175/8 thanks to solid knocks from Chad Bowes (37) and Cole McConchie (44). Logan van Beek was the pick of the bowlers for Wellington and took three wickets for 28 runs.
In reply, Devon Conway anchored the chase masterfully with a match-winning 93 off 63 balls*, guiding Wellington to 178/5 (19.4 overs) with 2 balls remaining. His class and composure under pressure once again highlighted why he’s one of New Zealand’s modern batting greats.
Player of the Match: Devon Conway (93* off 63)
6. Wellington (2019/20)
Batting first, Wellington posted 168/7 in 20 overs, thanks to a collective batting effort led by Devon Conway’s 49 (37) and Tom Blundell’s 25 (21). Skipper Michael Bracewell (23 off 17)* and Logan van Beek (15 off 8)* provided a late flourish, pushing the total beyond par on a tricky surface.
Auckland’s chase never really took off despite Martin Guptill’s steady 60 off 53 balls, as the rest of the lineup struggled to build meaningful partnerships. Auckland fell short at 146/9, handing Wellington a 22-run victory and their third Super Smash crown.
Player of the Match: Hamish Bennett
7. Central Districts (2018/19)
The Stags claimed their third title with a dominant 67-run victory over Northern Districts at Hamilton in 2018/19. Central Districts posted 147/8 before bowling out Northern Districts for just 80, their lowest total in a final.
Dean Foxcroft top-scored with 63 off 50 balls to provide the backbone of the innings. Adam Milne’s unbeaten 14 off 11 added crucial late runs. In response, Northern Districts collapsed spectacularly as Adam Milne claimed 3 wickets, while Ajaz Patel and Doug Bracewell took 3 and 2 wickets respectively.
Player of the Match: Dean Foxcroft
8. Northern Districts (2017/18)
Batting first, Central Districts never found momentum, crawling to just 99/8 in 20 overs. Apart from George Worker’s 37 (33) and Bevan Small’s 21 (21), no batter managed double figures as Anton Devcich (3/16) and Ish Sodhi (2/15) dismantled their lineup with relentless accuracy.
In reply, Northern Districts made the chase look effortless. Anton Devcich (51 off 24)* and Dean Brownlie (28 off 17)* powered their side home in only 8.5 overs, with Tim Seifert (23 off 12) setting the tone early. Their commanding batting display sealed a 9-wicket win with 67 balls remaining — a record margin in a Super Smash final.
Player of the Match: Anton Devcich
9. Wellington (2016/17)
The Firebirds captured their second consecutive title in 2016/17, defeating Central Districts by 14 runs at New Plymouth. Wellington posted 172/7 before their bowlers restricted Central Districts to 158/8.
Michael Papps anchored the innings with 29, while Matt Taylor unleashed late carnage with 48 off 25 balls. Jeetan Patel finished unbeaten on 28 off 11. Josh Clarkson fought valiantly for Central Districts with 53 off 31, but Wellington’s bowling attack proved too strong.
Player of the Match: Matt Taylor
10. Auckland (2015/16)
Auckland claimed their fourth title in 2015/16 with a 20-run victory over Otago at New Plymouth. The Aces posted 166/6 before restricting Otago to 146/9, showcasing their all-round strength.
Rob Nicol led from the front with a brilliant 77 off 54 balls, including 8 fours and 3 sixes. Robert O’Donnell provided late fireworks with 19 off 10. Mitchell McClenaghan destroyed Otago’s top order with 3 early wickets, while Donovan Grobbelaar claimed 3 wickets to seal the win.
Player of the Match: Rob Nicol
11. Wellington (2014/15)
The Firebirds won their first title in 2014/15, defeating Auckland by just 6 runs in a thrilling final at Hamilton. Wellington posted 186/6 before holding their nerve as Auckland finished on 180/9.
Michael Pollard was sensational with 76 off 56 balls, while Grant Elliott blasted 40 off 17 deliveries. James Franklin contributed a quickfire 31 off 17. Despite Craig Cachopa’s 37 and Colin Munro’s 34, Auckland fell agonizingly short in their chase.
Player of the Match: Michael Pollard
12. Northern Districts (2013/14)
Northern Districts claimed their first title in the Georgie Pie Super Smash in 2013/14, defeating Otago by 5 wickets at Hamilton. Chasing 144, the Knights reached their target with 6 balls to spare in a tense finale.
Daryl Mitchell anchored the chase brilliantly with an unbeaten 46 off 42 balls, showing composure under pressure. BJ Watling contributed 37 off 30, while Scott Kuggeleijn finished with 22 off 7 balls to seal victory. Neil Broom’s 44 off 38 for Otago wasn’t enough to prevent Northern Districts’ maiden triumph.
Player of the Match: Daryl Mitchell
13. Otago (2012/13)
The Volts captured their second title by winning the HRV Cup in 2012/13, defeating Wellington by 4 wickets in Dunedin. Chasing 144, Otago reached their target with 9 balls to spare, sparking celebrations throughout the South Island.
Neil Broom anchored the chase brilliantly with 60 off 52 balls, while Derek de Boorder added 33. Ian Butler finished with an unbeaten 23 off just 10 balls to seal victory. Wellington’s 143/9 proved insufficient despite Luke Woodcock’s fighting 40.
Player of the Match: Neil Broom
14. Auckland (2011/12)
Auckland secured their third title in 2011/12 with a commanding 44-run victory over Canterbury at Eden Park. The Aces posted 196/5 before restricting Canterbury to 152, showcasing their dominance across both innings.
Martin Guptill was magnificent, smashing 70 off 41 balls with 4 fours and sixes each. Azhar Mahmood contributed 44, while Colin de Grandhomme provided late fireworks with 24 off just 11 balls. Canterbury’s chase never gained momentum despite Andrew Ellis’s late cameo.
Player of the Match: Martin Guptill
15. Auckland (2010/11)
The Aces claimed back-to-back titles by winning in 2010/11, defeating Central Districts by just 4 runs in a nail-biting final at Auckland. Defending 159, Auckland held their nerve as Central Districts fell agonizingly short on 154/9.
Jimmy Adams top-scored with 62 off 43 balls, while Colin de Grandhomme contributed 31 and Colin Munro added 29. Ross Taylor fought valiantly for Central Districts with 44, but Auckland’s bowlers held firm in the crucial final overs.
Player of the Match: Jimmy Adams
16. Central Districts (2009/10)
The Stags claimed their second HRV Cup title in 2009/10 with a dominant 78-run victory over Auckland at New Plymouth. Central Districts posted an imposing 206/6 before demolishing Auckland for just 128.
Ross Taylor was sensational, smashing 80 off 30 balls with 5 fours and 8 sixes. Peter Ingram contributed 54 off 36, while Kieran Noema-Barnett blasted 49 off 28. Auckland never recovered from the onslaught despite James Neesham’s fighting 39.
Player of the Match: Ross Taylor
17. Otago (2008/09)
The Volts claimed their first-ever HRV Cup title in 2008/09 in dramatic fashion. The final against Canterbury at Dunedin was abandoned without a ball being delivered, with both teams declared joint winners. While not the finish fans hoped for, it was still a historic moment for Otago cricket.
This marked Otago’s breakthrough as HRV Cup champions, bringing joy to the deep south. The Volts had assembled a competitive squad featuring talented players who would go on to represent New Zealand.
18. Central Districts (2007/08)
The Stags won their first title in the State Twenty20 competition in 2007/08, defeating Northern Districts by 5 wickets at New Plymouth. Chasing 149, Central Districts reached their target with 21 balls to spare in a commanding performance.
Jamie How led from the front with 29, while Geoff Barnett blazed 36 off just 15 balls. Jacob Oram finished unbeaten on 34 off 23 deliveries to seal the victory. Ross Taylor, who would become a Black Caps legend, also contributed to this historic win.
Player of the Match: Geoff Barnett
19. Auckland (2006/07)
Auckland claimed their first title in the State Twenty20 competition in 2006/07, crushing Otago by 60 runs in a dominant final performance at Eden Park. The Aces posted a massive 211/5 before restricting Otago to just 151.
Source: eHive
Paul Hitchcock led the charge with 53 off 38 balls, while Andre Adams smashed an unbeaten 54 off 31 deliveries. Martin Guptill, in an early glimpse of his future stardom, contributed 36. Auckland’s aggressive batting set an imposing target that proved far too much for Otago.
Player of the Match: Andre Adams
20. Canterbury (2005/06)
Canterbury made history by winning the inaugural New Zealand Twenty20 Competition in 2005/06, defeating Auckland by 6 wickets in a thrilling final at Eden Park. Chasing 180, the Wizards powered home with 16 balls to spare in an emphatic display.
Source: Fantasy Khiladi
Brendon McCullum blazed the trail with a scintillating 62 off just 22 balls, smashing 4 fours and 6 sixes. Nathan Astle contributed a solid 45, while Craig McMillan’s explosive 36 off 23 balls sealed the chase. Canterbury’s aggressive batting approach set the tone for future T20 success in New Zealand.
Player of the Match: Brendon McCullum
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Conclusion: Auckland Has Won the Most Times with 5 Titles
Auckland stands alone as the most successful team in New Zealand’s domestic T20 history with 5 titles. Wellington, Northern Brave, and Central Stags follow closely with 4 championships. Otago Volts and Canterbury Kings have won the trophy 2 and 1 times, respectively.
What makes the Super Smash special is its role in developing New Zealand cricket talent. Stars like Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, and Martin Guptill all emerged through this competition before representing the Black Caps on the world stage.
The Super Smash remains the premier pathway for young New Zealand cricketers dreaming of international glory. As the competition grows, it continues to strengthen New Zealand cricket from the grassroots up.
FAQs
Auckland has won the most titles with 5 championships, making them the most successful team in the competition’s history.
The competition started in 2005/06 as the New Zealand Twenty20 Competition. Canterbury won the inaugural tournament. It has gone through several naming changes, including State Twenty20, HRV Cup, Georgie Pie Super Smash, and currently Super Smash.
Six teams compete: Auckland, Canterbury, Central Districts, Northern Districts, Otago, and Wellington. These represent New Zealand’s major cricket associations.
Nearly all Black Caps players have competed in the Super Smash, including Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill, and many others. It’s the primary development pathway for New Zealand internationals.
The Super Smash is crucial for developing domestic talent, providing high-quality T20 experience, and preparing players for international cricket. It’s where future Black Caps stars are discovered and nurtured.
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