Michael Bracewell breaks New Zealand domestic T20 record with sensational Super Smash ton

Former Kiwi under-19 international Bracewell, batting at No.3, helped his side recover from 43 for 5 to successfully chase a mammoth 228 with a 65-ball, unbeaten 141

Michael Bracewell crashed the highest T20 score ever seen in New Zealand domestic cricket to help Wellington Firebirds to a dramatic victory over Central Stags in the Super Smash.

Former Kiwi under-19 international Bracewell, batting at No.3, helped his side recover from 43 for 5 to successfully chase a mammoth 228 with a 65-ball, unbeaten 141.

The innings, which included 11 sixes and just as many fours, surpassed the previous record of 120, made by Martin Guptill for Auckland against Canterbury a decade ago.

It was the first T20 century of the 30-year-old's career, which has spanned just over nine years and included 97 matches in the short format.

^{Michael Bracewell hit 141 in 65 balls in the Super Smash}

Of New Zealanders, Brendon McCullum - with a pair of 158s - has scored more in a single T20 innings.

Bracewell shared in a stand of 73 for the sixth wicket with Jamie Gibson to steady the Firebirds' ship, before a partnership of 79 in 5.2 overs with Logan van Beek put Wellington in a position to reach out for victory.

Van Beek's 18-ball knock came to an end with 29 runs needed and three overs remaining, but the tail had enough staying power to give Bracewell time to take Firebirds over the line.

 "I think over the next few days it will sink in a little bit more," Bracewell said after the game.

^{Bracewell broke the record for the top T20 score in New Zealand domestic cricket}

"At the start, it felt we were so far out of the game that I couldn't get too nervous. It was probably when I was starting to believe that we were in a position to win the game that you can tense up.

"The great T20 wins are when you do everything perfectly. It is certainly a memorable one for the fact that we were 50 for 5 chasing 228 and we still managed to get over the line. It is one I will remember fondly.

"Logan's was a great knock and took the pressure off me. He was beautifully calm out there.

"You're always looking to go out there and just play positive, and it's a really conducive runscoring field out there today – fast outfield and short boundaries – so we kept up with the rate. And you've just got to try back yourself and take runs at the back end."