Cricket: Wellington sides out to continue Super Smash dominance

Wellington Firebirds have dominated this season's Super Smash, only losing the one game and a win in Saturday's final would see them claim their second straight title - but they aren't the only side in the capital looking to continue their T20 domination. 

For the last three years, Wellington Blaze have set the pace in the women's domestic cricket scene. 

"When you know how to win, that really helps and over the last few years, we've learned how to win T20 cricket," Wellington Blaze captain Maddy Green says. 

A win against Canterbury Magicians on Saturday would see them claim their fourth straight T20 title. 

But the Magicians come into the contest with confidence, after finishing the round robin top of the table and also pickingd up a rare win against the Blaze. 

"Over the last 3-4 years, they have really set the benchmark and have given us a few hidings over the years," Canterbury Magicians captain Frankie McKay says. "It's been nice to get one back this season and we're hoping we can get another one tomorrow."

Canterbury were able to find a chink in the Blazes' armour, after beating them earlier in the year and McKay says her side come into the contest with confidence.

"I think the fact we've had a win against this Wellington side is important, and you put that in your back pocket and the knowledge that you can do that is really important coming into a final," she says. 

"They've got the best players in the country, and when you look through their side and the names they have, it's pretty tough to find a chink, but you have to find a way."

The Firebirds haven't had the same sustained dominance as their women's side, but they do come into the contest as defending champions and a team in form.

They've lost just once this season, largely due to the opening partnership of Finn Allen and Devon Conway, who've averaged more than 50 together.

"They've obviously had a couple of great campaigns and are hitting the ball well," Canterbury Kings captain Cole McConchie says. "I would be lying if I didn't say it was important to get them [Conway and Allen] out early. 

"We've gone about our work really well the last couple of games with really simple plans and that's what you got to do against two guys in form."

The Firebirds have shown throughout the season that their success has come down to more than just two players. 

"We've shown that we've got a lot of guys that can win us games, we're not just reliant on just those two players," Wellington Firebirds captain Michael Bracewell says. "We think we have matchwinners all over the park.

"We would love those two players to get going, as they've shown a lot of form this campaign, but we definitely don't rely on those two guys to win games."

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