Auckland Aces vs Canterbury Kings, SS T20 2021, Today Match Prediction 07 January 2022

auc vs ck Match Prediction & Analysis

Auckland Aces had just started to hit the right notes before the break. They are currently 4th on the table with 3 wins and 2 losses and a net run rate of -0.167. Their next match will be against 2nd placed Canterbury Kings who have 4 wins and 2 losses in 6 games at a healthy net run rate of +0.984. They have a well-balanced and in-form unit and will pose a serious challenge to Auckland.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Auckland Aces Preview

Auckland Aces are currently on a 3-match winning spree. In their last match, they took down Otago Volts. While chasing a target of 130, Auckland reached there in just 17.2 overs with 8 wickets in hand. George Worker (53* off 45) and Mark Chapman (55 off 42 balls) both were responsible for taking their time home comfortably. This performance will give Auckland a lot of confidence as their batting wasn’t in the best of form. Apart from Martin Guptill, the others in the lineup haven’t really got going. Hopefully, after this performance, the likes of Glenn Phillips and skipper Robert O’Donnell too would get going.

Auckland’s bowling is in much better shape and doesn’t give away easy runs. Lockie Ferguson, whose spell of 4-19 from 4 overs in the last match destroyed Otago, has been the leader of the pack. Apart from taking wickets, he’s been miserly too and gone at a rate of 6.16 this season. Adithya Ashok (8 wickets at 6.30) and Ben Lister (6 wickets at 5.83) have been the other two who have been consistent. 
 

Auckland Aces Predicted Playing XI:

George Worker, Martin Guptill, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Robert O’Donnell (c), Ben Horne (wk), Sean Solia, William Somerville, Lockie Ferguson, Adithya Ashok, Ben Lister

Auckland Aces Actual Playing XI:

Sean Solia, Lockie Ferguson, Graeme Beghin, Ben Horne, Cole Briggs, Robert O'Donnell, Glenn Phillips, William Somerville, Benjamin Lister, Adithya Ashok, George Worker

Canterbury Kings Preview

Canterbury Kings deserve their 2nd place at the table this season. They have been quite proficient and look solid overall. In their previous match, Canterbury chased down a massive target of 218 with 16 balls and 5 wickets to spare. It was a sensational performance and showed the team’s batting might. Leo Carter (56 off 35 balls), Cam Fletcher (48* off 21 balls), and Henry Shipley (39* off 11 balls) were the chief contributors to that win. Opener Chad Bowes, who is their highest run-getter this season with 157 runs at a strike rate of 145, will be expected to make a mark in this game. The team might also consider moving Shipley up the order given his hitting form.

Canterbury’s bowling has been dependent on Ed Nuttall (11 wickets at 9.29) and Matt Henry (10 wickets at 5.90). Unfortunately, Henry won’t be available for the next few games as he is off on national duty, which is a big blow to Auckland. Todd Astle (7 wickets at 5.30) has also been good and Will Williams showed promise in the last game.
 

Canterbury Kings Predicted Playing XI:

Chad Bowes, Ken McClure, Leo Carter, Cole McConchie (c), Cam Fletcher (wk), Mitchell Hay, Henry Shipley, Todd Astle, Will Williams, Blake Coburn, Ed Nuttall

Canterbury Kings Actual Playing XI:

Leo Carter, Todd Astle, Will Williams, Henry Shipley, Chad Bowes, Cameron Fletcher, Ken McClure, Cole McConchie, Ed Nuttall, Mitchell Hay, William O'Rourke

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The pitch at Eden Park, Auckland, is usually a good one for batting with some help for the seam bowlers early on. Depending on the pitch they put out, spinners can get some assistance as we saw in the last game here. 

The weather in Auckland for the day of the match will be mostly cloudy. This could help the seam bowlers a little.
 

Venue Details

The only match played at Eden Park this season saw a total of just 92 by the team batting first. That was a slow surface and it’s unlikely to be the case again. The average total on this venue in T20Is is 169. The team beating first in this game would be looking to set a target of around 170 runs, we would suggest going with "Under" this score when punting with the online cricket betting sites.

Toss: To Bowl

The team winning the toss is likely to bat second here as chasing is the better option on this venue.