The Northern Districts men's cricket team are one of six New Zealand first-class cricket teams that make up New Zealand Cricket.

They are based in the northern half of the North Island of New Zealand (excluding Auckland). They compete in the Plunket Shield first-class competition, the Ford Trophy domestic one-day competition and the Men's Super Smash T20 competition as the Northern Brave. The T20 team was previously known as the Northern Knights until the 2021–22 season, when both the men's and women's teams were rebranded under the same name.

Northern Districts, the last of the six current teams to attain first-class status, joined the Plunket Shield competition in 1956–57. The six district associations that make up Northern Districts are the Northland Cricket Association, Counties Manukau Cricket Association, Waikato Valley Cricket, Hamilton Cricket Association, Bay of Plenty Cricket and Poverty Bay Cricket Association.

The Northern Knights is a professional cricket team based in Hamilton, New Zealand. The team was established in 2014 and represents the Northern Districts region in domestic cricket competitions. The team is known for its aggressive and fearless style of play, which has earned them a reputation as one of the most exciting teams in New Zealand cricket.

The Northern Knights have a strong batting lineup, with several talented batsmen who are capable of scoring big runs. The team's top-order includes players like Tim Seifert, Dean Brownlie, and Anton Devcich, who are all experienced and skilled batsmen. The middle-order is also well-stocked, with players like Daryl Mitchell and Brett Hampton who can provide quick runs and stabilize the innings when needed.

In addition to their strong batting, the Northern Knights also have a formidable bowling attack. The team's pace bowlers, including Trent Boult and Tim Southee, are among the best in the world and can generate significant swing and pace. The team also has a number of talented spin bowlers, including Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner, who can be effective on turning pitches.

Overall, the Northern Knights are a well-balanced team with a mix of experienced veterans and talented young players. They have a strong track record in domestic cricket competitions and are always a threat to win any match they play. With their aggressive style of play and talented roster, the Northern Knights are a team to watch in New Zealand cricket.