Pukekura Park hosts back-to-back T20 matches

Will Johnston

Pack the chilly bin and bring the umbrella, domestic Twenty20 (T20) cricket returns to Pukekura Park this week.

The iconic venue will host four matches in the Dream11 SuperSmash competition.

On Thursday, Central District’s men’s and women’s teams will host the Northern Brave, followed by the Canterbury Magicians and Kings on Friday.

The women start at 11:10am and men 2:40pm on both days.

The Central Stags (men) are in third place with three wins from five matches. Their latest match was against Auckland in Palmerston North on Monday, where the Aces won by four wickets in a dramatic finish. Blackcaps bowler Lochie Ferguson hit a six to win with a ball remaining in the match. It was Palmerston North’s first T20 match since 2009.

Pukekura Park hasn’t been a great hunting ground for the Stags in recent years. They’ve only won four out of their last 11 T20 matches.

Known for its high scores, thanks to the smaller boundaries, the Stags will have plenty of power hitters through the side.

Inform batsman Greg Hay is expected to open the batting. The 37-year-old has amassed three half centuries in the campaign so far. Other hitters include Dane Cleaver, captain Tom Bruce and Josh Clarkson.

Locals will be hoping speedster Adam Milne will be fit to play after he was ruled out of Palmerston North’s game with a knee injury. Bowler Doug Bracewell also withdrew with an ankle niggle.  

The Central Hinds claimed their first win in the competition against the Auckland Hearts at the same ground. It was their first win since January this year in the format.

Wicketkeeper Natalie Dodd picked up her second half-century on Monday.

The Hinds also have a strong bowling line-up with White Ferns’ Hannah Rowe and Rosemary Mair expected to play.

The Northern Brave women’s team are yet to claim a win in the competition.

All teams will be named on match-day.

Both days are televised on Spark Sport with Friday’s matches also on TVNZ Duke.

Central Districts’ teams return to Pukekura Park on Saturday, January 8 to host Wellington. The first game starts at 10:10am and second at 1:40pm live on Spark Sport and TVNZ 1.