Auckland Aces' shot at a record fifth title
| Date | January 28, 2024 |
| Time | 9:00 AM IST |
| Venue | Eden Park, Auckland |
| Format | T20 |
| Series | Super Smash 2023-24 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
- Auckland Aces have won the last three out of four games against Canterbury Kings.
- Canterbury Kings have a weak bowling attack, which hurts their chances
- Auckland Aces play at home, and players know the conditions well
MATCH PREVIEW
We are in the final of the Super Smash 2023-24. The Auckland Aces will aim for the fifth title as they take on the Canterbury Kings, who aim for their second. The Auckland Aces have dominated since the start of the season and finished at the top of the points table, earning a direct entry in the final. The Kings won the Elimination Final against the Wellington Firebirds and will look to ride this momentum. There will be pressure on both teams, and we expect a good contest.
Auckland Aces Preview
Robert O'Donnell finished on the top of the points table with six wins in ten games. They lost only two games and have been in good form. They haven't won the title since the 2015-16 season, and Robert O'Donnell would look to win this game and become the first team in history to win the title for the fifth time.
Finn Allen comes into the team and shall look to deliver a good start with Sean Solia. Cole Briggs must anchor the innings in the middle order and build partnerships with Robert O'Donnell and Cam Fletcher. William O'Donnell and Ryan Harrison add depth to the batting lineup, making it strong.
The side will need a good show from Ben Lister and Lockie Ferguson at the start, and the pair would look to strike early. Sean Solia and Louis Delport are in good form and will look to do well in the middle overs. Ryan Harrison and Jock McKenzie add depth to this attack, making it strong.
Expected Starting XI for Auckland Aces
Robert O'Donnell (c), Finn Allen, Sean Solia, Cole Briggs, Cam Fletcher (wk), William O'Donnell, Ryan Harrison, Jock McKenzie, Lockie Ferguson, Louis Delport, Ben Lister
Canterbury Kings Preview
Cole McConchie's team put on a good show in the elimination final against the Wellington Firebirds. They haven't won the title since winning the inaugural edition in 2005-06. They had lost both games against the Aces in the league stage, and McConchie would expect a determined show from his players.
The side will need a good start from Chad Bowes and Tom Latham, as they will be up against a very strong bowling attack. In the middle overs, Henry Nicholls, Cole McConchie, and Mitchell Hay will have an important role in the game. Bevon Jacobs and Zakary Foulkes shall have an important role in the lower middle order.
Matt Henry and Zakary Foulkes must pick early wickets to put the side in a strong position in this game. Kyle Jamieson brings vast experience to the attack and will look to do well in the middle overs with Cole McConchie. William O'Rourke and Ish Sodhi must do well in the supporting role.
Expected Starting XI for Canterbury Kings
Cole McConchie (c), Chad Bowes, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Hay (wk), Bevon Jacobs, Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, William O'Rourke
TOSS: To Bowl First
It is a good batting surface where a team can chase big scores. Weather will be a deciding factor at the toss as the side chasing has an advantage in a rain-curtailed game, and hence, we expect the side winning the toss to bowl first.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
There are chances of rain at Auckland, and this will assist the bowlers in what is otherwise a great batting surface. Batsmen can play on the up after seeing off the first few overs. The side that bats first in this game shall target a score of over 170 runs.
OUR PREDICTION
The Canterbury Kings come into this game with a win, but the side doesn't have a good record at this venue or against the Auckland Aces. They must bowl well in this game to have a good chance. The Auckland Aces play at home and have a strong batting lineup. We expect a close game, but the Auckland Aces have an edge, according to cricket betting sites.
Our prediction is for Auckland Aces to win
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