Experience the thrill! Otago Volts and Northern Districts finish in a breathtaking tie at 166 runs in the Super Smash. Read the full match report
The 10th match of the Super Smash 2025-26 season at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, delivered one of the most remarkable finishes in T20 history. In a high-octane encounter on January 4, 2026, the Otago Volts and Northern Districts (Northern Brave) ended their respective innings with identical scores of 166/6, leading to a dramatic tie that left fans and players alike in disbelief.
First Inning: Max Chu Leads Otago’s Charge
After Northern Districts won the toss and elected to bowl, Otago Volts took to the crease with intent. While several top-order batters struggled to convert starts, wicketkeeper-batsman Max Chu played a standout anchoring role. Chu smashed an unbeaten 64 off 42 balls, featuring five boundaries and a towering six, providing the backbone Otago desperately needed.
Chu found support from Jamal Todd, who contributed a quick-fire 32 off 27 balls, including three sixes that shifted the momentum in the middle overs. Despite disciplined bowling from Northern Districts’ Henry Cooper (who took two key wickets) and Tim Pringle, Otago managed to post a competitive total of 166/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Second Inning: The Brave’s Gritty Chase
Northern Districts’ pursuit of 167 began with steady contributions from the top order. Brett Hampton was the primary aggressor, scoring 35 runs from 30 balls before falling to Ben Lockrose. Skipper Jeet Raval added a methodical 23 off 28 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking while wickets fell around him.
The match seemed to be slipping away from the Brave until Scott Kuggeleijn unleashed a late-inning blitz. Kuggeleijn’s explosive 34 off just 12 deliveries, boasting a massive strike rate of 283.33, brought Northern Districts back from the brink. As the final over approached, the tension at Bay Oval was palpable.
The Final Over Drama
Entering the 20th over, Northern Districts required 19 runs for victory. In a frantic finish, the Brave managed to scramble exactly 18 runs, matching Otago’s total on the very last ball of the game. Both teams finished on 166/6, resulting in the rare “Match Tied” result.
Why No Super Over?
Fans watching the broadcast were surprised when a Super Over did not immediately follow the deadlock. In many T20 leagues, including the Super Smash group stages, the rules state that if a match is tied, both teams are awarded 2 points each rather than proceeding to a one-over eliminator, which is typically reserved for knockout stages. Factors such as scheduling, weather, or specific tournament bylaws can also prevent a Super Over from taking place.
Otago Volts Inning
| Player Name | Runs | Balls |
| Llew Johnson | 12 | 14 |
| Jamal Todd | 32 | 27 |
| Max Chu | 64 | 42 |
| Jack Boyle | 24 | 20 |
| Troy Johnson | 5 | 5 |
| Jake Gibson | 4 | 4 |
| Ben Lockrose | 5 | 4 |
| Luke Georgeson | 9 | 7 |
| Total | 166/6 | (20 Over) |
Northern Districts Inning
| Player Name | Runs | Balls |
| Katene Clarke | 19 | 11 |
| Joe Carter | 17 | 15 |
| Brett Hampton | 35 | 30 |
| Jeet Raval | 23 | 28 |
| Xavier E Bell | 9 | 13 |
| Ben Pomare | 20 | 10 |
| Scott Kuggeleijn | 34 | 12 |
| Tim Pringle | 2 | 2 |
| Total | 166/6 | (20 Over) |
Unbelievable Tie! Otago and Northern Districts Finish Dead Level at 166
This clash between Otago and Northern Districts will be remembered as a classic example of T20’s unpredictable nature. For your readers at Sportzons.com, this match serves as a reminder that every run—and every ball—truly counts. Both teams walked away with a share of the spoils, but it was the fans who won the most, witnessing a 40-over thriller that ended in absolute parity.
Unbelievable Tie! Otago and Northern Districts Finish Dead Level at 166
