Otago Sparks batter Suzie Bates on her way to a match-winning innings against the Auckland Hearts in the women's Super Smash. Photo: Photosport
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.
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.
Bonus points will not apply to the elimination and grand finals.
White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer hopes it will encourage batting techniques that enhance New Zealand's prospects of success in T20 internationals.
"It's an exciting addition to the competition," Sawyer said.
"It'll reward both aggressive batting and proactive wicket-taking bowling plans, which are the key skillsets required in this format.
"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.
"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."
Jess Watkin plays a shot for Central Hinds against Northern Brave in their women's Super Smash game at Pukekura Park. Photo: Photosport
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.
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.
"We're not suggesting that the revised points structure is the single solution.
"Individual skill, tactical awareness and coaching still plays a major role in improving the general batting standards in the women's game."
Wellington Blaze head coach Jonny Bassett-Graham said he was supportive of the change.
"I think it's a great development for the women's competition," Bassett-Graham said.
"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.
"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."
The Super Smash begins on Boxing Day at Seddon Park with Northern Districts hosting the Auckland men's and women's teams.
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