Doug Bracewell's incredible display of hitting has led the Central Stags to a 56-run victory over the Northern Brave in Palmerston North this afternoon.
Playing solely as a batsman due to an injury, Bracewell proved he's more than just a quality bowler, smashing an unbeaten 93 off just 33 deliveries.
Coming in to bat at number six in the 13th over, Bracewell let loose, smashing 11 fours and five sixes, showing no mercy to Brave bowlers Neil Wagner and Matthew Fisher in particular.
Bracewell was on track to break the record for the fastest ever Super Smash century (held by Tim Seifert in 40 balls) but ran out of overs to do so.
Nevertheless, his incredible display of power hitting saw the Stags post 206/5 from their 20 overs, leaving the Brave with a tough chase.
While the Brave got off to a quick start, thanks to the hitting power of Scott Kuggeleijn (36 off 16), wickets fell at regular intervals and the asking rate continued to climb.
Soon enough, the game had slipped away and the second half of the innings was simply a formality. Jayden Lennox was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4-15 from his four overs.
Earlier in the afternoon, the Central Hinds continued their unbeaten start to the competition, narrowly defeating the Northern Brave women by six runs.
Batting first, the Hinds set a strong total of 141, thanks to contributions from Tamsyn Newton (33), Natalie Dodd (31) and Georgia Atkinson (26no).
Marama Downes was the pick of the Brave bowlers, snaring a very impressive two for 10 from her four overs. She was well supported by Jess Watkin (2-23 off 4) as the Brave tightened the screws through the middle overs. But it all fell apart in the final two overs as the Hinds smashed 29 runs to rocket them past 140.
In reply, the Brave got off to a good start despite losing opener Caitlin Gurrey in the first over. However, young offspinner Ashtuti Kumar swung the game in the Hinds' favour, dismissing both set batters Nensi Patel and Watkin inside her first seven deliveries. Kumar finished with 2-19 off her four overs.
The Brave continued to slide to 75 for five and despite a couple of fruitful overs near the end, were unable to get to the Hinds' target.
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