Wellington, 23 December (H.S.): New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has introduced a revamped points system for the current Women's Super Smash season, incorporating a bonus point mechanism to elevate scoring rates and align domestic play with evolving international T20 standards.

Under the new structure, teams earn four points for a league-stage victory, plus one additional bonus point per match—capped at a maximum of one—by scoring 150 runs or more, whether batting first or chasing, or by achieving a run rate exceeding 1.25 times that of the opposition in the second innings. This change stems from NZC's internal analysis of global trends, revealing steady rises in scoring rates, boundary percentages, and first-innings averages, which redefine competitive performance in T20 cricket.

Last season's data underscores the need: across 32 matches, teams crossed 150 only six times, with a highest of 171; no scores fell between 140-149, eight between 131-140, and 17 innings (some rain-affected) stayed at 130 or below.

Auckland Hearts and White Ferns left-arm spinner Fran Jonas has withdrawn from the Super Smash to refine her bowling technique over the next six weeks, targeting a return in the second phase of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield in February.

NZC Women's High Performance Head Liz Green endorsed the move, stating it shields Jonas from match pressure while affirming her key role in White Ferns plans, backed fully by NZC and Auckland Cricket for this mature decision.

White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer hailed the system as an exciting shift that rewards aggressive batting and wicket-taking bowling, essential T20 skills, to bolster international readiness ahead of the June 2026 T20 World Cup's high-scoring clashes.

Sawyer cautioned that points alone won't transform batting; individual skills, strategy, and coaching remain pivotal.

The Women's Super Smash launches on Boxing Day, December 26, at Seddon Park in Hamilton, pitting hosts Northern Districts Women against Auckland Women.Defending champions Wellington Women open on December 27 versus Central Districts Women in Palmerston North.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar