The Super Smash 2025-26 league stage is coming to an exciting end, and Match 30 will play a crucial role in deciding the teams that move into the knockout stage. Auckland Aces and Central Districts will face each other in a do-or-die clash at Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland, on Monday morning.
Only three teams can qualify for the next round. Northern Districts are almost through with 28 points, while Auckland Aces and Canterbury are locked on 20 points each. A big loss for Auckland could hurt their net run rate and put their qualification in danger. On the other hand, Central Districts must win this match to stay alive in the tournament.
With qualification pressure, weather threat, and Eden Park’s unique conditions, this match promises to be a high-intensity contest.
AA vs CS Match Details
| Match Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Super Smash 2025-26 |
| Match | Auckland Aces vs Central Districts, Match 30 |
| Date | Monday, 26 January 2026 |
| Time | 08:55 AM IST |
| Venue | Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland |
Match Preview
Auckland Aces
Auckland Aces are currently second on the points table but are not fully safe yet. They know a loss by a big margin could cost them a place in the knockouts.
- Strong top order with Martin Guptill and Colin Munro
- Sean Solia provides balance as captain and all-rounder
- Home conditions at Eden Park work in their favor
- Need a controlled performance to avoid NRR trouble
Auckland already defeated Central Districts earlier this season and will look to repeat that result.
Key Players:
Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Sean Solia, Dale Phillips
Central Districts
Central Districts are in a must-win situation. A loss here will eliminate them from the tournament, while a win will push them into the next round.
- Tom Bruce and Dean Foxcroft form a solid batting core
- Dane Cleaver adds wicket-keeping stability
- Blair Tickner and Ajaz Patel handle the bowling attack
- Team performs better under pressure situations
They need a complete team effort to overcome Auckland at home.
Key Players:
Dean Foxcroft, Tom Bruce, Dane Cleaver, Blair Tickner
Head-to-Head Record
| Team | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| Auckland Aces | 18 |
| Central Districts | 17 |
| No Result | 2 |
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
| Team | Last 5 Matches |
|---|---|
| Auckland Aces | L, W, W, L, L |
| Central Districts | L, W, L, W, W |
Weather & Pitch Report – Eden Park Outer Oval
Weather Update
- Temperature: 19–21°C
- Humidity: 60–70%
- Rain: 20% chance (possible interruptions)
Pitch Report
- Batting-friendly surface
- Short boundaries make it high-scoring
- Spinners get assistance later in the innings
- Toss could be very important if rain arrives
Ground Stats – Eden Park Outer Oval (T20s)
| Record | Stats |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 4 |
| Bat First Wins | 2 |
| Bat Second Wins | 1 |
| Tie / No Result | 1 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 165–175 |
| Highest Score | 217/8 |
| Lowest Score | 110 |
Predicted Playing XI
Central Districts
- Dean Foxcroft
- Mason Hughes
- Dane Cleaver (wk)
- Tom Bruce (c)
- Curtis Heaphy
- Sam Cassidy
- Joey Field
- Ajaz Patel
- Brett Randell
- Toby Findlay
- Blair Tickner
Auckland Aces
- Dale Phillips
- Sean Solia (c)
- Martin Guptill
- Colin Munro
- Lachlan Stackpole
- Cam Fletcher (wk)
- Ryan Harrison
- Angus Olliver
- Adithya Ashok
- Harjot Johal
- Ben Lister
Dream11 Fantasy Tips
Small League (Safe Picks)
Captain / Vice-Captain Options
- Dean Foxcroft
- Tom Bruce
- Dale Phillips
- Sean Solia
Grand League (Risky Picks)
Captain / Vice-Captain Options
- Colin Munro
- Dane Cleaver
- Lachlan Stackpole
- Ben Lister
Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
This has always been a closely fought rivalry, and another tight game is expected. Auckland Aces already beat Central Districts earlier this season and now enjoy home advantage.
Rain could again play a role, making the toss crucial. Auckland’s familiarity with Eden Park conditions and slightly stronger batting depth give them an edge.
Predicted Winner: Auckland Aces
Injury Update
| Team | Status |
|---|---|
| Auckland Aces | No injury updates |
| Central Districts | No injury updates |
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