Composed Conway leads Wellington Firebirds to Super Smash title

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Devon Conway played a tremendous inning, helping the Wellington Firebirds chase down 176 against Canterbury Kings at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. With this win, the Firebirds became only the second team after Auckland Aces to win back to back Super Smash titles in the 16-year history of the tournament. This victory also pushed Firebirds to their fourth overall title, equalling Aces for most Super Smash titles in the history of the league. 

Conway, 29 was at his very best playing one of the finest innings of the tournament. His knock became even more important as the highest run-getter in the tournament, Finn Allen of the Birds got out cheaply for just 16. Soon After Tom Blundell departed for a duck as well, forcing Conway to change his role from just being a sheet anchor to an accelerator as well. 

Combining together with Troy Johnson at first and Jimmy Neesham later on, Conway paved the way for a Firebird win. But that did not come about without any hiccups. At one point in time when Neesham got out in the 15th over, the chase seemed to be getting away from the Firebirds. Only 22 runs came off the next three overs including the fall of skipper Micahel Bracewell’s wicket. 21 runs were required of the last two overs and Conway decided to matters in hands, hitting matt Henry for 15 runs to make the final over a formality. 

South Africa born Conway’s 63 balls 93 turned out to be the difference between the two teams. 

Earlier in the evening, Canterbury Kings were put to bat first after losing the toss. They could not get going at any point in the game as wickets kept falling at regular interval. The highest partnership for the Kings was 65 runs for the second wicket between Chad Bowes and Daryl Mitchell. Skipper Cole McConchie was the highest run-getter for the Kings, scoring 44 off 39 deliveries. 

Logan van Beek was the best bowler for the Firebirds, finishing with 3-28 in his four overs.

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Pakistan eye series win as young, energetic Proteas aim to draw level

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