It was a fitting end to the tournament that had seen several close games with the Wellington Firebirds emerging as the winner of the 2020-21 edition of the Super Smash winning a close game against the Canterbury Kings. It was the 4th title for the side as they defended it successfully having won the last editions as well. With this title win, they have now become the joint-most successful side in the history of this tournament along with the Auckland Aces. It was a dominating performance from the Firebirds throughout the season where they lost just one game during the league stages and deserved to win the title more than any other side. In a well contested final the Canterbury Kings put up a total of 175 runs riding on good contributions from their top order but in the end, it didn’t prove to be enough as the Firebirds chased down the total losing five wickets and four balls to spare. Firebirds’ opener Devon Conway top-scored with 93 runs in the game to take his side to victory. As another season of the tournament comes to an end we look back at some of the highlights and also mention the name of the players who did well this season.
Wellington Firebirds’ Finn Allen had a brilliant tournament and finished as the top-run getter with 512 runs in 11 games at an average of 56.88. His teammate and last edition’s top run-getter Devon Conway was next on the list with 455 runs in 10 games at an average of 65.00 and Central Stags’ skipper George Worker was third with 424 runs in 11 games at an average of 38.54
Central Stags’ Blair Tickner grabbed 17 wickets in 11 games at an average of 20.52 to finish as the most successful bowler in the season. Canterbury Kings’ Matt Henry was next with 14 wickets in 11 games at an average of 24.64 and third on the list was Wellington Firebirds’ Logan van Beek with 13 wickets in 11 games at an average of 25.15.
Three hundred were scored during this edition of the tournament and Central Stags’ George Worker topped the charts with his 106 against the Otago Volts. Northern Districts’ Anton Devcich was next on the list for his 102 against the Central Stags and Stags’ Will Young was next with his 101 against the Canterbury Kings.
There were no five-wicket hauls this season and Wellington Firebirds’ Ben Sears has the best bowling performance to his name with 4 for 21 against the Otago Volts. His teammate Michael Bracewell was next with his 4 for 28 against Northern Knights and Nathan Smith of the Otago Volts grabbed 4 for 32 against the Central Stags completing the Top 2.
Wellington Firebirds made the highest total this season against the Auckland Aces where they finished with 230 for 2. Central Stags were next on the list with their 226 for 8 against the Auckland Aces. Completing the Top 3 was Central Stags’ 223 for 6 against the Northern Knights.
Central Stags’ Joey Field was the most successful fielder taking 11 catches in 11 games during the season. Wellington Firebirds’ Michael Bracewell, Canterbury Kings’ Chad Bowes and his teammate Will Williams grabbed nine catches each during the season.
Tim Seifert of Northern Knights was the most successful wicketkeeper in the season with 17 dismissals (15c, 2st) to his credit. He had topped the charts last season as well. Wellington Firebirds’ Tom Blundell was next on the list with 11 dismissals (11c, 0st) and completing the Top 3 was Canterbury Kings’ Cam Fletcher with 9 dismissals (8c, 1st) to his name.
Super Smash 2020-21 was held in challenging environment amidst the pandemic and emerged as a grand success. We witnessed good contests and take pride in having covered another season of this league with great success. We would come to you with the next edition of the tournament in 11 months and bring to you the best Super Smash predictions and betting tips.
