The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has introduced a revised point structure for the upcoming Women’s Super Smash season, to encourage high-scoring matches and evolve the competition to International standards.
The statement comes ahead of the start of the Women’s Super Smash 2025-26, which begins on December 26 at Seddon Park.
Under the new system, teams can earn only one bonus point per match. This bonus point can be secured either by scoring 150 runs or more, whether batting first or second, or by achieving a run rate more than 1.25 times that of the opposition in the second innings.
However, bonus points will not be applicable in the elimination match or the grand final. NZC said an internal analysis of global trends across international and leading domestic competitions revealed a significant increase in scoring rates, boundary percentages and first innings averages, indicating a shift in what is now considered a competitive T20 performance.
New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer said the revised points structure would incentivise playing styles that better prepare players for international cricket.
“It’s an exciting addition to the competition,” Sawyer said. “It’ll reward both aggressive batting and proactive, wicket-taking bowling plans, which are the key skillsets required in this format.”
He also added that change is expected to encourage teams to align their approach with international standards, raise the quality of the domestic game and strengthen players’ readiness for the global stage.
“With high-scoring matches expected at next year’s T20 World Cup in June, this is a great opportunity for our players to prepare,” said Ben Sawyer.
Meanwhile, Wellington Blaze head coach Jonny Bassett-Graham also welcomed the move, calling it a positive step for women’s cricket.
“It’s a great development for the women’s competition. It will promote entertaining T20 cricket and help players develop the skillsets needed to progress to the international level,” he said.
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