Auckland Aces vs Central Districts, The Ford Trophy 2022, Today Match Prediction 13 December 2022

auc vs cd Match Prediction & Analysis

As the tournament starts to get heated up, teams have also started to get their form and shape back. However, Auckland have struggled, not having registered a single win in this competition. Central Districts, on the other hand, are sitting on 3rd. With a win against Auckland, they could go to the top of the table.

Central District would be mighty pleased with the start that they have had in this tournament. Winning 2 games and losing 1, they would want to build up on that. They seem like a balanced team, but the only thing that they would want to work on is their consistency. Once they get that right, their push to make it to the finals will look inevitable.

On the other hand, Auckland will have to do a lot more to make it to the Final. They have not been able to get a win under their belt and will be very desperate to do so. They have been outplayed in every match so far, and will look to improve quickly if they want to push for the finals. This promises to be a very hard-fought contest, as both teams have high stakes riding on it.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Auckland Aces Preview

Things do not look good for Auckland as they sit on the bottom of the points table yet to register a win. After rain played spoilt sport for their rescheduled game against the Northern Knights, they have few points to show for, but will want to register a win as soon as possible.

Batting first, Auckland posted a decent total of 212 in 41.2 overs, at the loss of 5 wickets. Despite the poor start, opener George Worker scored an impressive half-century. But captain Robert O'Donnell led from the front, scoring 72 runs which propelled the Auckland innings, getting them to a respectable total.

The bowling department has the perfect start to the game, as they picked up the first wicket within the first 2 overs. However, they couldn’t break through the partnership which followed, but rain meant that there wasn’t any result possible and both teams shared the spoils.

Key Players: George Worker, Robert ODonnell, Danru Ferns, Ben Lister

Auckland Aces Predicted Playing XI:

George Worker, Ryan Harrison, William O Donnell, Mark Chapman, Robert ODonnell(c), Ben Horne(w), Adithya Ashok, Danru Ferns, Louis Delport, Ben Lister, Simon Keene

Central Districts Preview

Central District proved to be even more dominant, as they outplayed Otago, beating them twice in a row.  This win would do them a world of good, especially after the set back against Wellington. They will want to carry on this momentum and go on a much more consistent run going forward.

The Central District didn’t look very convincing against Otago as they got bowled out for 256 runs in just 44.3 overs. Things looked even bleak, thanks to Captain Will Young, who smashed 128 off 113 balls, which got Central Districts to a respectable total. Josh Clarkson (42 off 52) and Tom Bruce (34 off 42) chipped in with valuable contributions toward the end. 

The bowling department, however, managed to save the day for the Central Districts. They managed to bowl out Otago for 133 within 26 overs to round off a comprehensive win. Doug Bracewell and Seth Rance picked up 3 wickets each, ripping through their batting lineup.

Key Players: Dane Cleaver, Doug Bracewell, Blair Tickner, Seth Rance

Central Districts Predicted Playing XI:

Dane Cleaver (wk), Brad Schmulian, Will Young (c), Ross Taylor, Tom Bruce, Josh Clarkson, Doug Bracewell, Ajaz Patel, Brett Randell, Blair Tickner, Seth Rance

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The weather forecast seems perfect for playing cricket as there seems to be no chance of rain. The maximum and minimum temperatures will be in the 24°C - 16°C range.

Venue Details

Colin Maiden Park is a NZ sports complex in Auckland, which is home to the Auckland Cricket Club. With a capacity of just 4,000, this ground is mainly used for The Ford Trophy.

Toss: To Bowl

The team that wins the toss would want to bowl first. Both teams seem to have a very strong bowling lineup compared to their batting. They would want to take advantage of the new ball and will look to make use of the conditions right from the get-go.