The Super Smash 2025-26 is heading towards its business end, with just two matches left to decide the champion. Northern Districts have already booked their place in the final after finishing at the top of the points table. Now, the second finalist will be decided in the Eliminator, where Auckland Aces take on Canterbury.
This high-pressure knockout clash will be played on Friday morning at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, starting at 10:25 AM IST. Auckland Aces enter this game with momentum after winning their final league match, while Canterbury are struggling badly with form, having just one win in their last seven matches.
AA vs CTB Match Details
| Match Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Super Smash 2025-26 |
| Match | Auckland Aces vs Canterbury, Eliminator |
| Date | Friday, 30 January 2026 |
| Time | 10:25 AM IST |
| Venue | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
Match Preview
Auckland Aces
Auckland Aces qualified for the playoffs after a narrow win against Central Districts in a rain-affected match. Despite a few ups and downs in the league stage, they have managed to peak at the right time.
Their batting looks solid with experienced names like Colin Munro, Martin Guptill, and Sean Solia, while the bowling unit has delivered under pressure.
Key Players:
Colin Munro, Dale Phillips, Sean Solia, Ben Lister
Canterbury
Canterbury started the season strongly but completely lost momentum in the second half. They are winless in their last five matches and have struggled to put together a complete team performance.
Missing a few key players due to national duties has also hurt their balance. Their batters have failed consistently, putting extra pressure on the bowling unit.
Key Players:
Tom Latham, Cole McConchie, Henry Nicholls
Head-to-Head Record
| Team | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| Auckland Aces | 23 |
| Canterbury | 14 |
| No Result | 4 |
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
| Team | Last 5 Matches |
|---|---|
| Auckland Aces | W, W, L, L, W |
| Canterbury | L, L, NR, L, NR |
Weather & Pitch Report – Hagley Oval
Weather Update
- Temperature: 17–19°C
- Humidity: 60–70%
- Rain: No rain expected
Pitch Report
- Batting-friendly surface
- Even bounce and true pace
- Spinners get some help later
- Chasing teams have done well
Ground Stats – Hagley Oval (T20s)
| Record | Stats |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 17 |
| Bat First Wins | 7 |
| Bat Second Wins | 10 |
| Tie / No Result | 0 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 155 |
| Highest Score | 236/4 |
| Lowest Score | 32/10 |
Predicted Playing XI
Canterbury
- Tom Latham
- Henry Nicholls
- Matthew Boyle
- Rhys Mariu
- Cole McConchie (c)
- Mitchell Hay (wk)
- Leo Carter
- LLB Harper
- Travis Muller
- Fraser Sheat
- Michael Rae
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
- Colin Munro
- Cole McConchie
- Dale Phillips
- Harjot Johal
Grand League (Risk Picks)
Captain / Vice-Captain Options
- Cam Fletcher
- Matthew Boyle
- Lachlan Stackpole
- Tom Latham
Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
Both teams won one match each against each other in the league stage, but the momentum clearly favours Auckland Aces. Canterbury are struggling badly with form, confidence, and team balance.
Not winning a single game in the last five matches has dented Canterbury’s morale, while Auckland look far more settled and confident at this stage of the tournament.
Predicted Winner: Auckland Aces
Injury Update
| Team | Status |
|---|---|
| Auckland Aces | No injury updates |
| Canterbury | No injury updates |
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