The CENTRAL STAGS have had a blinder of a finish at McLean Park, pulling off a stiff run chase with three balls to spare to knock out the defending champions - and ink themselves into this season's Dream11 Super Smash GRAND FINAL as top qualifier!

The Stags will be playing either the Kings, Northern Brave or the Wellington Firebirds for the title on Sunday at the Cello Basin Reserve, or will lift the trophy by virtue of being the top qualifier if weather prevents a result.

The Stags have been no stranger to national trophies in recent years but it's the first time since 2018/19 that they will be playing for the title in the 'big dance" - 2019 at Seddon Park having been the last time they won the competition.

The Stags bumped out defending champion the Auckland Aces with three balls to spare in a nailbiter at Napier's McLean Park last night.

SCORECARD

Sealed with an ANGUS SCHAW six as the Stags reeled in a demanding asking rate, the Stags chased down the Aces' 147/9 in 18 overs  - the match having been reduced in the first innings by a late afternoon heat shower in a steamy contest on a blazingly hot Hawke's Bay day.

The Stags had needed their last 100 runs off 58 balls, then the last 48 off 19.

PHOTOSPORT

Central's win also put Northern Brave into Saturday's Elimination Final - where the Brave will face either last year's runner-up the Canterbury Kings, or the fighting Wellington Firebirds, pending the result of today's last regular season doubleheader at the Cello Basin Reserve (4.25pm).

BLACKCAP WILL YOUNG said both the men's and women's competitions had been a fascinating watch this season.

"It's been so close that every game has had some context", he said after the game.

"In the men's Dream11 Super Smash, heading into yesterday, all six teams were still able to make the Final, so it's been interesting stuff.

Jayden Lennox takes a catch | PHOTOSPORT

"When we are away on BLACKCAPS duties, all the players get into each other's rooms to watch the Super Smash.

"It's been awesome to follow and I'm stoked I can be part of these last few games for the Stags.

"It's our first Grand Final for a few years so it brings back some good memories - and some bad memories, but we'd rather be in a Grand Final than not - so we're thrilled!"

STAGS RECENT HISTORY

2016/17 - Grand Final at Pukekura Park, lost to Wellington Firebirds

2017/18 - Grand Final at Seddon Park, lost to Northern Brave

2018/19 - Grand Final at Seddon Park, beat Northern Brave

2019/20 - fourth

2020/21 - Elimination Final at Eden Park Outer Oval, lost to Canterbury Kings

2021/22 - fourth

2022/23 - fourth

2023/24 - fourth

2024/25 - Grand Final v TBC 4.25pm this Sunday at Cello Basin Reserve

Article added: Thursday 30 January 2025