The 2024 ANZ Premiership final in Wellington on Sunday between the Northern Mystics and the Central Pulse has a distinctive 'anyone can win' feel about it.
When the teams last met in Round 14, the Mystics claimed a 68-58 win at North Harbour,
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The Pulse won earlier in the season in round four at Trusts Arena 52-47 and also the round nine game 54-38 in Porirua
Overall the Mystics and Pulse have met 43 times across the ANZ Championship and Premiership with the Mystics leading 25-17 with one draw.
The Pulse secured the direct path to the Grand Final to be held at the TSB Arenia by finishing at the top of the ladder after the Minor Round, while the Mystics defeated the Tactix 68-64 in the Elimination Finals last Saturday.
The Mystics are looking to go back-to-back and become the third ANZ Premiership team after the Steel (2017-2018) and Pulse (2019-2020) to win consecutive titles.
The Pulse have played seven ANZ Premiership Finals for a record of four wins and three losses. They are the most successful team in ANZ Premiership history with three titles in 2019, 2020 and 2022 while the Mystics have won two titles (2021 and 2023) and will join them on three if they win in 2024.
There's also a couple of significant milestones for a player from each side. Pulse co-captain Tiana Metuarau will play her 99th match for the Pulse. She also had 15 for the Steel in 2021.
Mystics defender Phoenix Karaka will play her 149th National League match.
The Auckland-based Mystics will be relying on the shooting prowess of Grace Nweke, while the Pulse will look to Maddy Gordon and their speedy mid-court to gain turnovers in front of the sellout crowd.
Centre pass is 4pm, Sunday.
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