The Auckland Aces (AA) will lock horns with the Canterbury Kings (CTB) in the Eliminator of the Super Smash 2025-26 at the iconic Hagley Oval, Christchurch. With a place in the final against Northern Districts at stake, both sides will be under immense pressure to deliver on the big stage.
Match Details: AA vs CTB
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | Super Smash 2025-26 |
| Match | Auckland Aces vs Canterbury Kings, Eliminator |
| Date | Friday, 30 January 2026 |
| Time | 10:25 AM IST |
| Toss Time | 09:55 AM IST |
| Venue | Hagley Oval |
| City | Christchurch |
| Live Streaming | FanCode |
Match Preview
The Auckland Aces have looked like one of the most balanced sides this season. Their batting has been powered by experienced campaigners, while the bowling unit has delivered consistently in crunch moments. Auckland also enjoy a historical advantage over Canterbury, which could play a role mentally in a high-pressure Eliminator.
The Canterbury Kings, meanwhile, have shown resilience throughout the tournament. Despite finishing lower on the points table, they possess match-winners who can turn the game on its head. Skipper Cole McConchie has been outstanding with the ball, while the presence of seasoned batters gives Canterbury hope of staging an upset.
Given the conditions at Hagley Oval, teams chasing could benefit later in the evening due to possible dew, making the toss a crucial factor.
Head-to-Head Record: AA vs CTB
| Team | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| Auckland Aces (AA) | 24 |
| Canterbury Kings (CTB) | 14 |
| No Result / Tied | 3 |
Auckland clearly hold the upper hand historically.
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Weather & Pitch Report: Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- Weather Report: Christchurch is expected to offer excellent cricketing conditions, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 22°C. Rain is unlikely to interrupt proceedings, ensuring a full contest.
- Pitch Report: Hagley Oval traditionally assists fast bowlers, especially early in the innings, with bounce and lateral movement on offer. Pacers who hit the deck hard can extract good rewards, while spinners generally find minimal assistance. Batting becomes easier as the match progresses, making chasing a tempting option under lights.
Probable Playing 11
Auckland Aces (AA) Playing 11
1. Sean Solia (c), 2. Dale Phillips, 3. Martin Guptill, 4. Colin Munro, 5. Lachlan Stackpole, 6. Cam Fletcher (wk), 7. Ryan Harrison, 8. Adithya Ashok, 9. Angus Olliver, 10. Harjot Johal, 11. Ben Lister
Canterbury Kings (CTB) Playing 11
1. Rhys Mariu, 2. Henry Nicholls, 3. Matthew Boyle, 4. Cole McConchie (c), 5. Mitchell Hay (wk), 6. Leo Carter, 7. Cameron Paul, 8. LLB Harper, 9. Raunaq Kapur, 10. Travis Muller, 11. Michael Rae
Who Will Win Today’s Match? (AI Prediction)
Auckland Aces enter the Eliminator with stronger form, greater experience in knockout matches, and a superior head-to-head record. Their powerful batting lineup and disciplined pace attack suit the Hagley Oval conditions well.
Canterbury Kings will rely heavily on early breakthroughs and leadership from Cole McConchie to challenge Auckland, but they may need something special to overcome the Aces’ momentum.
AI Match Prediction: Auckland Aces are favourites to defeat Canterbury Kings and qualify for the Super Smash 2025-26 final.
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Disclaimer
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