2020-21 Super Smash – Auckland Aces vs Canterbury Kings Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Auckland Aces vs Canterbury Kings taking place? Sunday 3rd January, 2021 – 02:00 (UK)
Where is Auckland Aces vs Canterbury Kings taking place? Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland
Where can I get tickets for Auckland Aces vs Canterbury Kings? Ticket information for the Dream11 Super Smash can be found here
What channel is Auckland Aces vs Canterbury Kings on? This match will be televised live on BT Sport
Where can I stream Auckland Aces vs Canterbury Kings? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app
THE LOWDOWN
AUCKLAND ACES
- Auckland Aces have lost all three matches played so far and last season’s runners-up an the most successful team in Super Smash history run the risk of failing to make the knockout phase unless they can halt this miserable start quickly.
- The manner of their last two defeats will be particularly concerning to them as they went down by 70 runs to Central Stags and 45 runs to the Otago Volts as they were outplayed in both games.
- They are boosted in this game by the availability of Blackcap batsman Mark Chapman and he will bolster their batting line-up significantly but that does not help their bowling attack which simply has to improve if they are to be more competitive.
CANTERBURY KINGS
- Canterbury Kings have played just the one game in this edition of the Super Smash as they picked up a handsome victory over Otago Volts by 61 runs but they had a warm-up match with a much-changed side against Pakistan A on New Year’s Day where they went down by seven wickets.
- They are without Matt Henry who has been called up for the New Zealand Test team so Fraser Sheat comes into the squad and that is something of a blow as Henry was in exceptional form in the first game taking 3/25 from his 3.4 overs.
- The batting looked strong in the opening game with Chad Bowes, Ken McClure and Cam Fletcher all making significant contributions and they will relish facing this poor and out-of-form Aces’ bowling unit.
THE PREDICTION
The pressure is firmly on the Auckland Aces to reverse this miserable start to their Super Smash campaign as they desperately need to halt this three-game losing run. They face the Canterbury Kings who have only had one game so far so while they were impressive in winning that game, the Aces will hope to have the edge in terms of match practise. The return of Mark Chapman is a big boost for them while the Kings will sorely miss Matt Henry, and that change could just swing this game in the Aces’ favour. They will have to bowl much better than they have been, but with the batting firepower they possess, they are capable of outscoring the Kings in this one to get off the mark.
