Super Smash 2023-24 Points Table: Updated standings after Central Stags vs Wellington Firebirds, Match 22
Central Stags locked horns with Wellington Firebirds in the 22nd match of the Super Smash 2023-24 on Saturday at Basin Reserve in Wellington. Central Stags earned four points after beating the table-toppers by six wickets. With that win, Central Stags moved to number three on the points table.
Despite the loss, Wellington Firebirds are still sitting at the top of the table with 22 points under their belt. They have won five out of eight matches played this season. The result of the game also didn’t affect Auckland Aces’ as they stayed at number two with 20 points to their name. They have 4 wins in 7 matches.
Central Stags’ win also means that Canterbury Kings moves down to number four. They have managed to secure three victories wins in eight appearances and have 20 points under their belt. Otago Volts are sitting second from the bottom with 2 wins in 7 matches and, overall, 10 points.
Northern Districts are rooted at the bottom of the points table with a solitary win to their name in 6 matches and, overall, four points.
All-round performance from Central Stags helped them earn 4 crucial points
Central Stags exhibited a sensational all-round show with bat and ball to beat the table-toppers Wellington Firebirds on Saturday. Tom Bruce and Co. exhibited a disciplined show with the ball to restrict Wellington to just 147 runs in the first innings.
The top-three batters, namely Nathan Smith (4), Nick Greenwood (2), and Nick Kelly (8) got out on single-digit scores. Muhammad Abbas (35 off 29) tried to find some momentum but wickets kept falling at the other end.
Wellington looked in all sorts of trouble at 88/6 in 13 overs but an outstanding 41*-run knock off 24 balls from Van Beek helped the team reach a respectable score in the end.
For Central Stags, Doug Bracewell and Blair Tickner returned with two wickets apiece.
In response to the total, Jack Boyle provided Central Stags a brilliant start. He played a match-winning knock of 57 runs off 43 balls and found great support from the likes of Tom Bruce (26* off 21) and Doug Bracewell (30* off 11). Central Stags, as a result, chased down the score in just 16.5 overs.