Super Smash 2025/26 Eliminator: Auckland Aces vs Canterbury Kings – Match Preview

Match Details

Date: Friday, 30th January 2026
Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Start Time: 04:55 AM GMT | 10:25 AM IST | 05:55 PM Local

Auckland Aces and Canterbury Kings clash in a high-stakes Eliminator match of the Super Smash 2025/26 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. With the top four teams vying for a place in the final, both sides will be coming into this match with everything on the line. The Aces, having won three of the last five encounters against Canterbury, will be confident, while the Kings will look to use their home advantage to turn the tide.

Current Form

Auckland Aces

After ending a winless streak with a crucial victory over the Central Stags, the Aces are in fine form and looking to make their mark in the playoffs. Their aggressive batting line-up, led by the explosive Colin Munro and the consistent Lachlan Stackpole, has been a key strength this season. In the bowling department, Harjot Johal has been a standout with 15 wickets at just 16.46 in eight innings, making him one of the most dangerous options in the tournament.

Canterbury Kings

The Kings have shown resilience in recent games, with a vital win over the Central Stags keeping their playoff hopes alive. Tom Latham has been in stellar form, scoring 201 runs at an average of 40.20, while all-rounder Lachlan Harper has provided balance with both bat and ball. Captain Cole McConchie has also been a key performer, taking ten wickets at an average of 21.5.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• Auckland Aces: 3 wins
• Canterbury Kings: 2 wins

Auckland holds the edge in the recent head-to-head, which could give them a psychological boost as they prepare for this crucial encounter.

Venue and Pitch Report

Hagley Oval, Christchurch has historically been a batting-friendly venue. The 2025 scorecard average of 168.5 suggests that the pitch is getting better for batting as the season progresses. Fast bowlers average 23.54, while spinners average 28.23, indicating that the surface is more in favor of the bat.

Weather Conditions:

• Temperature: ~12°C
• Humidity: 82%
• Wind: 4.1 km/h
• Cloudy Skies with a 48% chance of rain
• Expected Impact: The overcast conditions may assist spinners, but the lack of dew and cooler temperatures could aid pacers early in the game.

Key Players to Watch

Auckland Aces

• Colin Munro – Explosive opener with a knack for accelerating the innings.
• Lachlan Stackpole – Aggressive middle-order batsman averaging 163.73 strike rate.
• Harjot Johal – One of the most economical and wicket-taking bowlers in the tournament.
• Ryan Harrison – All-rounder with 66 runs and ten wickets at an average of 23.6.

Canterbury Kings

• Tom Latham – The anchor of the batting lineup with 201 runs at 40.20.
• Lachlan Harper – All-rounder with 86 runs and seven wickets at 23.14.
• Cole McConchie – Captain and leading bowler, taking ten wickets in nine games.
• Henry Nicholls – Technical and composed, crucial in the middle overs.

Team Squads

Auckland Aces Playing XI (Predicted)

1. Colin Munro
2. Dale Phillips
3. Adam Jones (Captain)
4. Lachlan Stackpole
5. Cam Fletcher (Wicketkeeper)
6. Ryan Harrison
7. Harjot Johal
8. Angus Oliver
9. Bevon Jacobs
10. Adithya Ashok
11. Rohit Gulati

Canterbury Kings Playing XI (Predicted)

1. Tom Latham (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
2. Henry Nicholls
3. Michael Rippon
4. Matt Boyle
5. Rhys Mariu (All-rounder)
6. Cole McConchie (Vice-Captain)
7. Harry Chamberlain
8. Jesse Frew (Wicketkeeper)
9. Cameron Paul
10. Leo Carter
11. Fraser Sheat

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Auckland Aces
• Match Winner: Auckland Aces
• Top Batter Runs: Lachlan Stackpole (Aces) or Tom Latham (Kings)
• Top Bowler Wickets: Harjot Johal (Aces) or Lachlan Harper (Kings)
• Most Sixes: Colin Munro (Aces) or Matt Boyle (Kings)
• Player of the Match: Harjot Johal (Auckland Aces)
• Team Scores (Batting First): Auckland Aces: 190+, Canterbury Kings: 180+

Fantasy Insights

• Auckland Aces are strong in both batting and bowling, with Harjot Johal and Colin Munro being must-picks.
• Canterbury Kings have a balanced squad, with Tom Latham and Cole McConchie offering consistency and impact.
• The weather could play a pivotal role, so keep an eye on the rain forecast and any possible interruptions.

Live Streaming and Coverage

• Live Score: Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo, Possible11
• Live Telecast: FanCode

Final Verdict

This is a must-watch Eliminator match between two evenly matched sides. While Canterbury has the advantage of playing at home, Auckland’s superior recent form and explosive batting lineup give them a slight edge. With key players on fire and a toss that could go either way, this match promises high intensity, big scores, and crucial moments that could define the tournament.

Prediction: Auckland Aces to edge out Canterbury Kings and progress to the next stage.
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