State Central Stags
2007/08 placing: State Twenty20 winners
Big hitter: Brendon Diamanti
Wicket-taker: Ewen Thompson
Fielder to watch: Bevan Griggs
Highest score in 2008/09: 224 against Wellington
The current holders will again be strong contenders thanks to a potent seam attack and prolific batsmen Mathew Sinclair and Peter Ingram. They will be without their BLACKCAPS for the first four rounds of the season, including last years leading run scorer and only centurion Ross Taylor. Ewen Thompson has come of age for the Stags this season and will be a key man with the new ball and a aggressive hitter down the order. The Stags are looking in good shape with a talented mix of players and there is no reason they can’t lift the State Twenty20 trophy again.
State Northern Knights
2008/09 placing: State Twenty20 runners-up
Big hitter: Peter McGlashan
Wicket-taker: Bruce Martin
Fielder to watch: BJ Watling
Highest score in 2008/09: 188 against Auckland
Twenty20 tends to favour teams who have good all-rounders and capable spinners. The Northern Knights bat a long way down and, in Bruce Martin, have one of the best spinners in the competition. The Knights will be hoping for more heroics from youngsters BJ Watling, Kane Williamson and unorthodox wicket-keeper batsman Peter McGlashan.
State Auckland Aces
2008/09 placing: Third
Big hitter: Colin de Grandhomme
Wicket-taker: Daryl Tuffey
Fielder to watch: Gareth Hopkins
Highest score in 2008/09: 190 against Northern Districts
Despite their unexceptional form in the State Shield the Auckland Aces have the capability to upset the more fancied teams. They will suffer in the absence of Martin Guptill, who is needed by the BLACKCAPS. Guptill scored a half century off 15 balls last season and will be welcomed back after the first four rounds of the State Twenty20. They will need former international bowlers Daryl Tuffey and Chris Martin to be at their best if they are to feature in the finals.
State Canterbury Wizards
2008/09 placing: Fourth
Big hitter: Corey Anderson
Wicket-taker: Shane Bond
Fielder to watch: Kruger van Wyk
Highest score in 2008/09: 158 against Northern
The Wizard’s have the strike bowling power in Shane Bond, Andrew Ellis and Ryan Burson to dismiss their opponents. Hard hitting Shanan Stewart and youngster Corey Anderson have been in an excellent form in the State Shield and are genuine match winners. The Wizards will take heart from a good run of form in the latter stages of the State Shield that saw them finish second at the end of the round-robin section.
State Wellington Firebirds
2008/09 placing: Fifth
Big hitter: Graham Napier
Wicket-taker: Luke Woodcock
Fielder to watch: Matthew Bell
Highest score in 2008/09: 182 against Auckland
On paper they look like a team which will take a lot of beating. English international Graham Napier is in incredible form and the hard hitting all-rounder is made for the short version. In 2008 Napier hit 152 against Sussex in the Twenty20, which included a world record 16 sixes. The Firebirds welcome back Stephen Fleming who will lead the side.
State Otago Volts
2008/09 placing: Sixth
Big hitter: Dimitri Mascarenhas
Wicket-taker: Neil Wagner
Fielder to watch: Derek de Boorder
Highest score in 2008/09: 172 against Central
They have the bones of a winning Twenty20 team with explosive hitters and wicket taking bowlers. They will miss Brendon McCullum's aggression in the early rounds, but he will be welcomed back when the BLACKCAPS return. In Dimitri Mascarenhas, they have a quality international player with IPL experience. Neil Wagner has shown that he can rip through teams with the new ball this year. This balanced Volts line up is one of the favourites to lift the 2008/09 State Twenty20 trophy.
State Twenty20 Schedule »
