The top wicket-taker and six-hitter in the Burger King Super Smash are set to pass on a windfall to a club or charity of their choice – regardless of whether they play in the men’s or women’s competition.
In a new initiative from Burger King, the leading player in each category will be awarded $200 a wicket and $200 per six, with half the prize-money being nominated to the cricket club or charity of their choice, and the other half going to the player and their team.
NZC Super Smash League Manager Wade Johnson said the initiative would provide another dimension to an updated T20 competition which is already eclipsing the previous seasons' ticket sales and television viewership.
“The Burger King Super Smash puts our most exciting and skillful players squarely in the public spotlight - this new initiative will provide even greater rewards for those who star throughout.
“Regardless of whether you play in the men’s or women’s competition, if you hit the most sixes or take the most wickets, then you receive the prize and you get to help out a charity or a club, as well.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun seeing who comes out on top.”
At the moment, Wellington Blaze's Amelia Kerr is the leading wicket taker with 19 scalps, six ahead of team mate Deanna Doughty and Canterbury Kings' Kyle Jamieson - and Kerr still has the chance to extend her lead in Sunday's BK Super Smash Grand Final against the Canterbury Magicians.
Fellow Wellingtonian Michael Bracewell is the leading six hitter with 17 Whopper 6’s, seven ahead of the Knights' Daryl Mitchell and nine more than the Central Stags' Tom Bruce.
If the competition ended today, Kerr would win $1900 for her club/charity and $1900 to be split among the Blaze team, while Bracewell would win $1700 for his club/charity and $1700 to split among the Firebirds players.
How it works:
- The leading wicket taker and six hitter win $200 per wicket and $200 per six
- Half the prize money goes to the club or charity of their choice, and half goes to the player and their team
- Winners can be male or female
- The prizes will be finalised and awarded after the men's Grand Final on 17 February
Follow the race at supersmash.co.nz/stats, which is updated after every match.
