Auckland Sides Set For First Central Districts Clash In Napier Doubleheader

Auckland’s Super Smash campaign continues on Friday 16 January, with a doubleheader at McLean Park in Napier featuring the Central Hinds against the Auckland HEARTS at 2.10pm, followed by the Central Stags taking on the Auckland ACES at 5.55pm.

The afternoon fixture sees the HEARTS face the Hinds for the first time this season across any format, as the Auckland side continues a busy run of matches. With no prior meetings between the two sides in the 2025-26 season, the contest shapes as a fresh challenge against a Central Districts team on their home turf.

The HEARTS come into the Napier clash with momentum after a rain shortened seven wicket win over the Magicians yesterday. The Auckland side adapted well to the reduced conditions, producing a composed performance to secure the result.

The evening match features the ACES against the Stags, also a first meeting between the two teams this Super Smash season, as Auckland look to carry strong momentum into the latter stages of the competition.

The ACES arrive in form after redeeming themselves at home with a dominant performance against the Kings, producing a comprehensive win with both bat and ball. The victory marked a strong response following their earlier loss to the same opposition.

With the ball, Rohit Gulati was outstanding, finishing with figures of 2 for 16 to help apply pressure throughout the Kings’ innings, as the ACES bowlers combined effectively to control the contest.

Both Auckland sides will be looking to make a statement in Napier as they face Central Districts opposition for the first time this Super Smash season.

Live coverage of the Hinds v HEARTS match begins at 2.10pm on TVNZ+ and DUKE, followed by the Stags v ACES clash at 5.55pm.

Super Smash matches

Central Hinds vs Auckland HEARTS | 2.10pm
Central Stags vs Auckland ACES | 5.55pm
Friday 16 January 2026
McLean Park, Napier

Auckland HEARTS squad unavailable due to injury: N/A

Auckland ACES squad unavailable due to injury: Simon Keene, Jock McKenzie, Jordan Sussex.

Cam Fletcher misses this match due to the upcoming birth of his child.

© Scoop Media