Super Smash 2021-22 | Match Review | Northern Knights ease past Stags to bag "Numero Uno" spot

Northern Knights took on Central Stags on January 14, 2022, in the 22nd match of this year’s Super Smash competition. After being put into bat, the Knights didn't get one of the best starts to its innings. The openers fell cheaply, but a strong third-wicket stand of 112 runs between Joe Carter and Colin de Grandhomme revived the innings. 

The Kiwi international took on the Stags bowlers and bashed them all around the Bay Oval. He struck five massive sixes and four boundaries in his magnificent innings of 86 from just 45 deliveries. Meanwhile, Carter anchored and supported with a decent 32 runs off 28 balls. 

Jayden Lennox, the left-arm spinner, brought his team back in the game by removing Carter. However, the Stags couldn’t stop free-scoring and the Knights eventually ended up on 176/7 in 20 overs.

Chasing 177 was not easy for the visitors as they lost wickets at regular intervals. The only stand-out performance in the second innings was by Ben Smith who single-handedly carried the burden of scoring the majority of runs for the team. 

The Stags opener batted for 53 balls in which he scored 68 useful runs containing five boundaries and two sweetly-struck sixes. However, he failed to get any support from the other end. Eventually, Central Stags fell short by 19 runs as they grappled through the innings to get 157/8 in 20 overs.

With this win the Knights march on to the top of the table with 22 points from just 7 matches with five wins. Despite the loss, the Stags will be on the fourth spot with 12 points from nine played.  

Now, the Knights will play the Wellington side on January 16, 2022, while the Central Stags will face off against the Auckland Aces in their last league match on January 22, 2022.  

Brief Scores

Central Stags– 157/8 (20)

Ben Smith- 68(53), Mitchell Santner 2/25(4)

Northern Knights – 176/7 (20)

Colin de Grandhomme- 85(46), Blair Tickner- 3/20(4)

Northern Knights won by 19 runs.