The Wellington Firebirds are the national T20 cricket champions after beating the Central Stags by 14 runs in today's final.

Photo: Photosport

After losing the toss and being sent into bat at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth, the Firebirds' Matt Taylor top scored with 48 not out in his side's total of 172 for seven.

In reply the Stags' run chase struggled to gain momentum with their batsmen tied down by tight bowling, before finishing on 158 for eight.

Brent Arnel was the best of the Wellington bowlers taking two wickets for just 16 runs.

Photo: Photosport

Sri Lankan import and marquee player, Mahela Jayawardene, fell to Arnel for a golden duck before the 38-year-old claimed the wicket of Jesse Ryder for a four ball duck.

The Stags' Josh Clarkson topscored with 53 off 31 balls but his side had left him too much to do, needing to score more than 30 runs in the final over.

The Firebirds victory completed a remarkable turn around in fortune for a side that languised at the bottom of the table until mid-way through the season.

Jettisoning their English import for breaking team protocol before Christmas seemed to galvanise the side on the way to their second T20 title.