Auckland Aces vs Central Stags, SS T20 2021, Today Match Prediction 22 January 2022

auc vs cd Match Prediction & Analysis

Auckland Aces messed up their chances to qualify for the Elimination Final after losing their last two matches. They are currently 4th on the table with 16 points and a net run rate of -0.548. Even a solid win against Central Stags will only take them to 18 points while Wellington already has 20 points at 3rd place. Central Stags, too, have now nothing to play for but pride. Their chances to make it to the qualifying stage are long gone. They are 5th on the table with 3 wins, 6 losses, and 12 points at a net run rate of -0.252. They have already played and lost against Auckland earlier this season but would be hoping to end on a high.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Auckland Aces Preview

Auckland Aces were so near to the Elimination Final but losing their last matches against Canterbury and Wellington respectively messed that up. In their last match, they could only manage 121-8 on the board after batting first and Wellington chased the target down with almost 6 overs and 8 wickets to spare. 

Auckland’s issue has been their batting. Their highest scorer this season has been Mark Chapman with 179 runs at a strike rate of 116, followed by George Worker (168 runs at 107) and captain Robert O’Donnell (159 runs at 121.37). They haven’t got consistent performances and the exit of Martin Guptill cost them badly.

Their bowling has been better with Lockie Ferguson leading the pack with 15 wickets at an economy of 7.15. Other notable performers include Ben Lister (11 wickets at 6.79) and leg-spinner Adithya Ashok (11 wickets at 6.42). They know how to keep things tight and will be quite a handful for the Stags.
 

Auckland Aces Predicted Playing XI:

George Worker, William O Donnell, 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, Mark Chapman, Martin Guptill, Wiliam O' Donnell, Robert O'Donnell, Glenn Phillips, William Somerville, Benjamin Lister, Adithya Ashok, George Worker, Lockie Ferguson

Central Stags Preview

With 5 consecutive losses, Central Stags now find themselves out reckoning from the qualifying stage of the Super Smash this season. Despite having the leading run-scorer of the season, Dane Cleaver (349 runs at a strike rate of 117), in their ranks, they floundered badly. Skipper Tom Bruce (259 runs at 164.96), Josh Clarkson (197 runs at 191.26), and Greg Hay (234 runs at 121.24) also made healthy contributions but the batting failed to perform as a unit. 

Their bowling has been mediocre with only Doug Bracewell (12 wickets at an economy of 8.01), Seth Rance (13 wickets at 9.91) being the consistent performers. Left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox, with 7 wickets at an economy of 8.23 also did a good job. And while Blair Tickner did take 9 wickets his economy of 9.35 did hurt the team. That was the problem with the bowling unit – they have given away way too many runs in crucial moments.  
 

Central Stags Predicted Playing XI:

Ben Smith, Mason Hughes, Dane Cleaver (wk), Ma ara Ave, Tom Bruce (c), Josh Clarkson, Doug Bracewell, Ajaz Patel, Seth Rance, Blair Tickner, Jayden Lennox

Central Stags Actual Playing XI:

Dane Cleaver, Josh Clarkson, Ajaz Patel, Ben Smith, Jayden Lennox, Doug Bracewell, Blair Tickner, Adam Milne, Tom Bruce, Seth Rance, Will Young

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The pitch at Eden Park in Auckland tends to remain true throughout the game. It’s usually good for batting when the surface is hard at the start and also offers help to the seamers.

The weather in Auckland for the day of the game is expected to be partly sunny and pleasant. 
 

Venue Details

The highest total at Eden Park is 174-7 by Auckland. The average score batting first here is 155. The team batting first in this game will have to set a target of around 180 runs to feel safe.

Toss: To Bowl

Teams chasing have won both the games played at Eden Park this season. The side winning the toss is hence likely to bat second.