2020-21 Super Smash – Central Stags vs Auckland Aces Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Central Stags vs Auckland Aces taking place? Thursday 31st December, 2020 – 00:40 (UK)
Where is Central Stags vs Auckland Aces taking place? Pukekura Park, New Plymouth
Where can I get tickets for Central Stags vs Auckland Aces? Ticket information for the Dream11 Super Smash can be found here
What channel is Central Stags vs Auckland Aces on? This match will be televised live on BT Sport
Where can I stream Central Stags vs Auckland Aces? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app
THE LOWDOWN
CENTRAL STAGS
- After a hugely disappointing opening game where the Central Stags could only muster 136/9 in reply to Wellington Firebirds’ 175, they responded in style yesterday by smashing an impressive 223 against the Northern Districts before winning by 45 runs.
- George Worker hit an impressive 71 from 42 balls to get them off to a ferocious start while Doug Bracewell slammed 55 from 25 balls to help them to 223 as their key men hit their stride with the bat.
- They named the same squad for both of these back-to-back matches and the likelihood is they name the same eleven players but they will be hoping for more from the likes of Tom Bruce who has three runs from two innings and a wicketless Ajaz Patel.
AUCKLAND ACES
- Auckland Aces come into this game under some pressure having lost both of their opening two matches against Wellington Firebirds and Otago Volts so they desperately need to get a win here.
- Blackcap Glenn Phillips returned after missing the opening game by taking two wickets but he could only manage one run with the bat so they will hope for much more from their key batsman.
- Mark Chapman and Martin Guptill remain absent while Colin Munro is playing in the Big Bash so the Aces have a depleted look about them right now so they desperately need some of their big names to step up in their absence.
THE PREDICTION
Auckland Aces are in the unfamiliar position of bottom spot having lost both games so far and it is looking bleak for them without some of their key players. They will be up against it here if they do not improve drastically against the Central Stags who hit top form on Wednesday against Northern Districts. The batting by the Stags was particularly impressive after a flat opening performance and even if just a couple of their batsmen produce, they will be tough to beat. Auckland Aces arrived in time to watch that game at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth and they will know they have to be on their game. Their bowling unit ultimately lacks quality and that does not bode well against the Stags’ batting line-up which should lead them to another victory here.
