<\/p>\n
\nOtago Sparks batter Suzie Bates on her way to a match-winning innings against the Auckland Hearts in the women’s Super Smash.
\nPhoto: Photosport\n<\/p>\n
A new points structure will apply to the women’s Super Smash T20 competition this season in a bid to promote higher scoring cricket and improve batting standards.<\/p>\n
Teams can only receive one bonus point – through either scoring 150 runs or more, regardless of batting first or second, or achieving a run rate greater than 1.25 times that of the opposition in the second innings.<\/p>\n
Bonus points will not apply to the elimination and grand finals.<\/p>\n
White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer hopes it will encourage batting techniques that enhance New Zealand’s prospects of success in T20 internationals.<\/p>\n
“It’s an exciting addition to the competition,” Sawyer said.<\/p>\n
“It’ll reward both aggressive batting and proactive wicket-taking bowling plans, which are the key skillsets required in this format.<\/p>\n
“We hope that it’ll encourage teams to align their style of play with international standards, which in turn elevates the domestic game and strengthen players’ international readiness.<\/p>\n
“We’re expecting high scoring matches next year at the T20 World Cup in June, so this is a great opportunity for our players to get ready for that.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nJess Watkin plays a shot for Central Hinds against Northern Brave in their women’s Super Smash game at Pukekura Park.
\nPhoto: Photosport\n<\/p>\n
An internal analysis of current global trends in international and leading domestic competitions reflected a clear acceleration in scoring rates, boundaries percentages and first-innings averages, signalling a clear shift in what now constitutes competitive T20 performances.<\/p>\n
Sawyer acknowledged the bonus point structure is not a silver bullet that will improve the batting standards but is a step in the right direction.<\/p>\n
“We’re not suggesting that the revised points structure is the single solution.<\/p>\n
“Individual skill, tactical awareness and coaching still plays a major role in improving the general batting standards in the women’s game.”<\/p>\n
Wellington Blaze head coach Jonny Bassett-Graham said he was supportive of the change.<\/p>\n
“I think it’s a great development for the women’s competition,” Bassett-Graham said.<\/p>\n
“It’ll encourage teams to play a style that’ll not only drive the standard of cricket forward but should result in entertaining T20 games.<\/p>\n
“For the players it’s about being agile enough to adapt and embrace a change that’ll help them develop skillsets to break into international ranks.”<\/p>\n
The Super Smash begins on Boxing Day at Seddon Park with Northern Districts hosting the Auckland men’s and women’s teams.<\/p>\n