HAWKE CUP CHALLENGE MATCHES
Since 1910, the Hawke Cup had been the most treasured prize in New Zealand provincial cricket
Contested on a challenge basis against the current Hawke Cup holder, to earn the right to a Challenge, a province must first become the top qualifier in its Zone for the season
New Zealand is divided into four zones:
- Zone 1 covers the upper North Island provinces
- Zone 2 is the lower half of the North Island
- Zone 3 is the upper South Island provinces (extending to Canterbury Country and the West Coast)
- Zone 4 the lower South Island - home of the original Hawke Cup holder, Southland
To win the Hawke Cup, the Challenger must defeat the holder outright or, if there is not an outright result, on the first innings, at the Holder's home ground.
Matches are played as three-day red-ball contests, traditionally beginning on a Friday, and scheduled a fortnight apart, from January to March each season.
Hawke Cup matches do not have first-class status, but are a unique and special part of the New Zealand Cricket landscape.
2024/25 Season
Zone 2 Challenge Match
31 January - 02 February
Holder Hawke's Bay lost to Zone 2 qualifier Taranaki on the first innings.
Zone 1 Challenge Match
14 - 16 February
Holder Taranaki defeated Zone 1 challenger Hamilton on the first innings.
Zone 3 Challenge Match
07 - 09 March
Holder Taranaki defeated Zone 3 challenger Canterbury Country on first innings.
Zone 4 Challenge Match
21 - 23 March
Holder Taranaki defeated Zone 4 challenger South Canterbury on first innings.
