CS vs AA Match Preview
While the batsmen of the Central Stags team are performing well, the bowlers will need to keep a tight leash on the opposition batsmen going forward.
Their latest match was played against reigning champions, the Northern Braves. Opting to field first, the bowlers were very expensive, giving away 217 runs in 20 overs. Tom Bruce and Raymond Toole picked up 3 wickets each, while Doug Bracewell got 2.
The chase for the Stags began on shaky ground as they lost wickets at regular intervals during the first few overs. Dane Cleaver and Ross Taylor got a good start in the middle order but were dismissed just when they were looking threatening.
The seam bowlers of the Auckland Aces have been excellent since the start of the season and have played an important role in whatever success they have achieved. George Worker is the leading batter for the side but will need some of the others to step up as well.
Weather Report
It is expected to be quite windy in New Plymouth on Thursday and there is a high probability of rain throughout the day which may lead to delays and interruptions. The temperature will remain below 20 degrees Celsius.
Pitch Report
The surface at Pukekura Park is excellent to bat on and we can expect a high-scoring encounter on Thursday. The quicker bowlers will get some movement, especially in the first innings.
The average first innings score here is around 160.
Notable stats
Josh Clarkson's Superb Strike Rate
Josh Clarkson has been in excellent form for the Stags this season. In the 3 matches played so far, he has scored 159 runs at an incredible strike rate of 214.86.
Team News
With no reports of any injuries, we do not expect either team to make any change to their playing eleven.
CS vs AA Probable 11
CS Playing 11
- Ben Smith
- Greg Hay
- Dane Cleaver (Wk)
- Josh Clarkson
- Ross Taylor
- Tom Bruce (C)
- Doug Bracewell
- Brett Johnson
- Brett Randell
- Jayden Lennox
- Raymond Toole
AA Playing 11
- George Worker
- Cole Briggs
- Mark Chapman
- Robert O’Donnell (C)
- William O’Donnell
- Sean Solia
- Ben Horne (Wk)
- Louis Delport
- Adithya Ashok
- Lockie Ferguson
- Ben Lister
Dream11 Prediction
We are backing the Central Stags to win this one. Their batting, powered by Josh Clarkson and Dane Cleaver looks in good touch. They also have a couple of quality all-rounders in the form of Doug Bracewell and Tom Bruce, who will be playing important roles here. The Auckland Aces on the other hand have lacked consistency in their performance.
Top Picks
Doug Bracewell: The veteran all-rounder played a brilliant cameo in the last match against the Knights and also picked up 2 wickets. Given his ability to score quickly and also pick up wickets at regular intervals, he is a good addition to any squad.
Sean Solia: Another all-rounder but this time from the Aces’ camp, Solia has picked up 5 wickets this season and has also scored 74 runs.
Josh Clarkson: As mentioned earlier, Clarkson is in sublime form this season and is the second-highest run-getter so far. He has played with amazing consistency and also has a great strike rate.
CS vs AA Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: D Cleaver, B Horne
Batters: G Worker, B Smith, T Bruce
All-rounders: D Bracewell, J Clarkson (C), S Solia (VC)
Bowlers: L Ferguson, B Lister, R Toole
