ND vs CS Super Smash 2026: Northern Districts vs Central Stags Match Preview, Pitch Report, Fantasy Tips

The Super Smash 2026 moves to the stunning McLean Park, Napier, where Northern Districts (ND) lock horns with Central Stags (CS) in a high-voltage clash. After Northern Districts smashed a massive 240 runs in their last match, all eyes are on their explosive batting unit once again.

With Brett Hampton, Katene Clarke and Scott Kuggeleijn in red-hot form, and Dane Cleaver anchoring Central Stags, this ND vs CS contest is shaping up to be one of the most exciting games of the tournament — and a goldmine for fantasy players.

ND vs CS Match Time

• Match: Northern Districts vs Central Stags – Super Smash 2026
• Venue: McLean Park, Napier
• Date: 13 January 2026
• Time (NZDT): 5:55 PM
• Time (IST): 10:25 AM

Weather Report – Napier

Napier is expected to offer ideal cricket conditions:

• Temperature: Around 22°C
• Weather: Clear skies
• Rain: No interruption expected
• Wind: Light sea breeze may assist swing bowlers early

This sets up a perfect platform for a full 40-over thriller.

Pitch Report – McLean Park, Napier

Despite being known as a batting-friendly venue, recent numbers show fast bowlers are dominating here.

• Average Score (Last 5 matches): 144
• Pacers Wickets: 50
• Spinners Wickets: 13

Pitch Insight: McLean Park offers extra bounce and carry, making it a nightmare for batters once the ball gets moving. Spinners have struggled badly, while seamers who hit the deck hard have been cashing in with wickets.

Team Form Guide

Northern Districts (ND)

ND are riding high after smashing 240 runs against Canterbury.

• Brett Hampton – 208 runs & 3 wickets
• Katene Clarke – Fresh off a blazing 97
• Scott Kuggeleijn – 7 wickets this season

Their top order and pace attack are firing in perfect sync.

Central Stags (CS)

Central Stags are coming off a win over Wellington and will look to use home conditions.

• Dane Cleaver – 212 runs this season
• Dean Foxcroft – 171 runs
• Brett Randell – 5 wickets
• Ajaz Patel – 7 wickets

Top Fantasy Picks – ND vs CS

• Brett Hampton (ND) – Elite all-round value
• Dane Cleaver (CS) – Run machine & wicketkeeper
• Scott Kuggeleijn (ND) – Perfect bowler for this pitch
• Katene Clarke (ND) – Explosive opener
• Dean Foxcroft (CS) – Reliable middle-order anchor

Captain & Vice-Captain Picks

Safe Captain: Brett Hampton, Dane Cleaver

Vice-Captain: Scott Kuggeleijn

High-Risk, High-Reward: Katene Clarke

Fantasy Strategy for McLean Park

• Prioritize fast bowlers – they dominate this pitch
• Stack your team with ND players due to their explosive form
• Avoid too many spinners
• Pick top-order batters who can maximize the powerplay

The ND vs CS Super Smash 2026 match is set to deliver fireworks at McLean Park, with Northern Districts entering as slight favorites after their 240-run demolition. With the pitch heavily favoring pace and the form players in red-hot touch, this game is perfect for fantasy players looking to climb the leaderboard.