πππππ :βΒ ββCanterbury Kings vs Auckland Aces β
ππππ : March 02, Sunday
ππππ : 03:00 AM ISTββ
πππππ : University Oval, Dunedin, New Zealand
ππππππππππ : The Ford Trophy, 2024-25
First innings totals around 270-290 are usually competitive at University Oval, Dunedin.
- Captain Cole McConchie has been Canterburyβs star batter this season with 339 runs in just nine matches.
- The highest score chased at University Oval this season in the Ford Trophy is Auckland 271-7 (49.5 overs) versus Otago.
- All-rounder James Neesham has been in terrific form this season for Auckland, delivering match-winning performances both with the bat and ball.
Canterbury Kings vs Auckland Aces
TV channels: The fans can watch the match live on Hotstar
Live Streaming: Live streaming of the match will be available on the FAFA191 Cricket Exchange India and website.
CANT vs AUCK Match Prediction & Analysis
The big day has arrived as Canterbury Kings and Auckland Aces face off in this Sunday’s Ford Trophy 2024/25 final in Dunedin. Canterbury have dominated the competition from start to finish and enter with all cylinders firing. Yet Auckland shouldn’t be written off – they’ve already toppled Canterbury once this season and know how to handle the pressure. Fans can expect fireworks when these two heavyweights collide, though Canterbury hold a slight advantage heading into the decider. After finishing as runners-up last season, they’ll be extra motivated to go one better this time around.
TEAMS PREVIEW
Canterbury Kings Preview
Canterbury Kings have been the team to beat in the Ford Trophy 2024/25, securing the top spot in the league stage with seven wins out of ten. With just two defeats this season, they will step into the final with plenty of confidence, eager to close out their campaign on a winning note, something they could not do last time.
Captain Cole McConchie has been their most reliable batter, accumulating 339 runs in nine innings at an average of 42.37. Matthew Boyle has played a key role as well, adding 287 runs while averaging 36. Meanwhile, Rhys Mariu has contributed crucial runs at the top, scoring 272 at 30.22.
Zakary Foulkes has been the standout performer with the ball, taking 13 wickets in nine games while maintaining an economy of 5.41. Michael Rippon, Fraser Sheat, and Angus McKenzie have also been dependable, providing Canterbury with a well-rounded attack heading into the final.
Auckland Aces Preview
Auckland Aces finished the league stage in second place, securing six wins and suffering four losses. They carried that momentum into the Elimination Final, where they dominated defending champions Central Districts with a commanding 91-run victory to reach the final.
Cam Fletcher has led the charge with the bat, accumulating 399 runs in 10 innings at an average of 57. James Neesham, fresh off a stunning 128 (off 82) in the knockout match, will be a major threat heading into the final.
Bevon Jacobs has anchored the middle order well, contributing almost 240 runs this season, including two half-centuries. His ability to steady the innings in pressure situations has been invaluable to the team.
Their bowling attack has delivered key performances throughout the season. Neesham has been instrumental, taking 15 wickets while keeping his economy at 4.64. Danru Ferns, Adithya Ashok, and Jock McKenzie have backed him up effectively, adding variety and control to the attack.
Weather Conditions
The University Oval pitch in Dunedin typically offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. The surface tends to have good pace and bounce early on, giving fast bowlers some assistance in the morning session. As the day progresses, the pitch often becomes more batting-friendly with consistent bounce. Spinners may find some turn in the middle overs, but generally need to work hard for their wickets here. The ground’s smaller dimensions and fast outfield make it conducive to scoring once set.
The weather in Dunedin will be mostly cloudy with chances of a passing shower in the afternoon. But we should still get a full game.
CANT vs AUCK Pitch Report
University Oval has turned into a paradise for batsmen this season, with teams cracking the 300-run barrier four times out of the five games played there. Central Districts took full advantage of these batting-friendly conditions when they hammered 330-7 against Otago, setting the high score mark for the venue this season.
Toss: To Bat
Four of the five games played at the University Oval in this season of the Ford Trophy have been won by the team batting first. Since this is the final, we reckon both teams will play it safe and would look to bat first.
