According to a press release by New Zealand Cricket, the Central Stags have booked themselves a ticket for the final qualification in the men’s Dream11 Super Smash after they thrashed Canterbury Kings by 30 runs in Napier. The mighty Stags have now beaten the Canterbury Kings in both home and away games this season, however the Kings will be hoping that they can turn the tables around when the two sides will encounter again in the elimination final on Thursday. The winner will proceed to clash with the defending champions Wellington Firebirds on Saturday at the Basin Reserve. Earlier, the in-form Canterbury Magicians also won by 30 runs, beating the out of contention Central Hinds to move back on top of the ladder. The Magicians now have a delicate two-run lead over the Wellington Blaze and a four-point lead over the Auckland Hearts. These are the other two teams who have qualified for the playoffs and will meet each other on Sunday at Eden Park Outer Oval competing for the remaining, crucial four points. The outcome of that match will determine which team qualifies top and earns direct entry to the Grand Final. The Stags’ win has officially put an end to the Northern Knights’ out and out chance of qualifying in the Finals. The Otago Volts will take on Knights today at Dunedin’s University Oval, alongside the game of Otago Sparks and Northern Spirit.
