Auckland Aces vs Northern Brave Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When is Auckland Aces vs Northern Brave taking place? Auckland Aces vs Northern Brave will take place on Monday 20th December, 2021 at 01:40 (UK)

Where is Auckland Aces vs Northern Brave taking place? Auckland Aces vs Northern Brave will take place at Kennards Hire Community Oval in Auckland

What is the expected weather for Auckland Aces vs Northern Brave? 21-22c with sunshine and a gentle breeze

Where can I get tickets for Auckland Aces vs Northern Brave? Click here to buy tickets for Auckland Aces vs Northern Brave

What TV channel is Auckland Aces vs Northern Brave on in the UK? Auckland Aces vs Northern Brave will be televised live on BT Sport

Where can I stream Auckland Aces vs Northern Brave? BT Sport subscribers can stream Auckland Aces vs Northern Brave live on the BT Sport Player & app

THE TEAM NEWS

AUCKLAND ACES

• Auckland Aces head into this match looking to get revenge on Northern Brave after losing to them by four wickets this past Friday in Hamilton after being bowled out for 165 batting first.
• New Zealand international opener Martin Guptill made 47 in his return to the Aces side and it’s vital that his teammates within the middle order provide him with stronger support to help them accrue what will ultimately prove winning total whether they be setting or chasing a target.

NORTHERN BRAVE

• Northern Brave successfully chased down 166 with four wickets and 2.1 overs remaining to beat Auckland last time out, their first win of this season’s Super Smash and a fantastic way to bounce back following their defeat against Otago Volts.
• No doubt the return of international bowlers Trent Boult and Ish Sodhi played a huge part in their success, Boult’s four overs going at an economy rate of less than five runs an over and alongside Scott Kuggeleijn, who took four wickets, the Brave will be confident of another strong bowling performance in this one.

THE PREDICTION

Another fairly tight contest is expected between these two teams with the presence of current New Zealand players adding a sprinkling of quality among the sides. The worry for Auckland Aces is that they are too reliant on Guptill, with their middle order having not yet shown the quality with the bat needed to be successful here, which is in contrast to Northern Brave. Combine that with a Brave bowling unit that includes the likes of Boult and Sodhi alongside all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme and it makes them a very strong team who can now kick on and put a run of victories together. With that in mind, back Northern Brave to triumph once again in this one.