Match Details:
- Match: Auckland Aces vs Northern Districts, 22nd Match, Ford Trophy 2024-25
- Date & Time: Friday, February 2025
- Venue: Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland
Match Preview
Auckland Aces will aim to maintain their strong form as they face Northern Districts in the 22nd match of the Ford Trophy 2024-25 at Eden Park Outer Oval. Currently sitting in second place on the points table, Auckland has won five of their seven matches and looks well-positioned to secure a spot in the knockout stages.
Meanwhile, Northern Districts find themselves at the bottom of the table, struggling with just one win from their last five matches. Captain Jeet Raval will be hoping his team can put up a much-improved performance and secure a crucial victory.
In their previous encounter last season, Auckland defeated Northern Districts by five wickets, and they will be confident of repeating that success on home soil.
Team Previews
Auckland Aces
Auckland’s batting has been in solid form, with key contributions from Sean Solia, Bevon Jacobs, and Cam Fletcher. The middle order, including Jock McKenzie and Michael Sclanders, has also been reliable, ensuring the team has posted competitive totals.
In the previous match, captain Sean Solia scored a well-crafted 55, supported by Jock McKenzie’s 51. However, it was Bevon Jacobs who stole the show with a blistering 63 off 45 balls, striking two fours and six sixes.
Auckland’s bowling attack, led by Danru Ferns and Nikith Perera, has been equally effective. Ferns was the standout performer in the last game, picking up 4 for 45 in 8.2 overs, while Perera chipped in with two wickets.
Predicted Playing XI:
Sean Solia (c), Cam Fletcher (wk), Bevon Jacobs, Lachlan Stackpole, Jock McKenzie, Michael Sclanders, Harjot Johal, Nikith Perera, Danru Ferns, Angus Olliver, Louis Delport
Key Players to Watch:
- Bevon Jacobs – A destructive finisher who can take the game away from the opposition.
- Sean Solia – The captain is in good touch with both bat and ball.
- Danru Ferns – Leading the bowling attack with consistent performances.
Northern Districts
Northern Districts have struggled throughout the season, particularly in the batting department. Their top order has been inconsistent, relying heavily on Brett Hampton, Ben Pomare, and Henry Cooper.
In the previous game, Pomare top-scored with 63 off 70 balls, while Brett Hampton added 58 from 54 deliveries. However, their lower order collapsed, leading to a below-par total of 210.
Their bowling unit has also lacked penetration, with no bowler standing out in recent games. Brett Hampton, Frederick Walker, and Henry Cooper all managed one wicket each in the last match but failed to apply sustained pressure.
Predicted Playing XI:
Jeet Raval (c), Brett Hampton, Ben Pomare (wk), Katene D Clarke, Joe Carter, Fergus Lellman, Robert O’Donnell, Henry Cooper, Kristian Clarke, Frederick Walker, Rohit Gulati
Key Players to Watch:
- Ben Pomare – Played a crucial knock in the last game and will be key again.
- Brett Hampton – Contributed with both bat and ball, and his all-round performance will be vital.
- Frederick Walker – Needs to lead the bowling attack and pick early wickets.
Pitch Report & Weather Conditions
The pitch at Eden Park Outer Oval is typically good for batting, with an average first innings score of 214. Teams batting first have won three out of the last five matches at this venue, making the toss crucial.
Weather Forecast:
- Temperature: 18-23°C
- Humidity: 51%
- No rain expected, ensuring a full match.
Head-to-Head Record (Ford Trophy ODIs)
| Total Matches | Auckland Wins | Northern Districts Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
Auckland has had the edge over Northern Districts in recent meetings and will look to continue their dominance.
Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss is likely to bat first, given the favorable conditions for setting a target at Eden Park Outer Oval.
Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
Based on current form and squad strength, Auckland Aces are the clear favorites. Their balanced batting and bowling attack, led by Sean Solia and Danru Ferns, gives them an advantage over an out-of-form Northern Districts side.
Prediction: Auckland Aces to win comfortably.
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