Betting Tips

The Auckland Aces have proven to be a side that is always in for the running of a domestic title. They have built up a reputation for always starting among the favourites and this season may be no different. They are the current reigning champions and will be looking to start their new campaign well. The Northern Districts finished bottom of the table last year.

Northern Districts vs Auckland Aces Head-to-Head Record

Over the past five matches between Northern Districts and Auckland the spoils have been shared. Auckland won the two most recent games which were both last season. Northern Districts have two wins too. One match was abandoned.

Northern Districts vs Auckland Aces Live-streaming and Broadcast

Northern Districts and Auckland Aces will host the opening match of the 2024/25 Super Smash at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Thursday, 26 December 2024. Indian fans can follow this match on the FanCode app. There is no TV broadcast available in India.

ND vs AUK Team Previews

Northern Districts

The experienced Jeet Raval will lead the home side. He will also open the batting and lead from the front. At the top, Katene Clarke partners Raval with aggression and energy up front. Clarke top-scored for Northern Districts versus Auckland Aces in Auckland with 32 off 27.

The powerful opening batting pair is complemented by the composed mastery of Kane Williamson. Joe Carter adds reliability to the middle-order. He hit 48 runs against the Aces at Mount Maunganui last season.

All-rounder Mitchell Santner brings versatility with his sharp left-arm spin and power-hitting abilities down the order. Santner has more than 2000 runs and more than 200 wickets in T20s. Brett Hampton provides another dynamic all-round presence.

Rising star Kristian Clarke brings the excitement of youth in batting and bowling.

Ben Pomare is expected to contribute valuable runs in the lower-order batting while keeping things clean behind the stumps. The bowling attack is spearheaded by the vastly experienced duo of Tim Southee and Neil Wagner.

Right-arm pacer Southee has 315 T20 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls in the format. Adding to the pace arsenal is Scott Kuggeleijn who offers variation options at the death.

Northern Districts Expected Playing 11

Auckland Aces

Opening the innings are Finn Allen and Martin Guptill, a dynamic duo capable of explosive starts. Allen’s aggressive strokeplay complements Guptill’s experience and ability to play the longer innings. Allen’s most impressive asset is his destructive T20 strike rate of 172.08. He has three T20 centuries and 22 T20 half-centuries.

The middle-order features Mark Chapman and Bevon Jacobs, who bring stability and firepower. They will put their foot down after the powerplay to up the run rate. Jacobs secured his first ever Indian Premier League contract earlier this year with the Mumbai Indians.

Skipper Sean Solia provides leadership and all-round prowess. He guided the Aces to a convincing win over their opponents earlier this year with an unbeaten 67 runs off 42 balls. William O’Donnell follows him as a dependable and versatile batter.

Behind the stumps, Cam Fletcher adds consistency and a reliable presence as a wicketkeeper. The hard-hitting James Neesham is a key finisher with the blade, but offers handy medium-pace overs too. The 34-year-old has 11 T20 half-centuries to add to his 216 T20 wickets.

The bowling attack is spearheaded by the fiery pace of Lockie Ferguson. Ferguson tore the home side apart with figures of four for 14 in four overs in January. The left-arm accuracy of Benjamin Lister adds variation.

Adithya Ashok is a talented young spinner with control and variation.

Auckland Aces Expected Playing 11

ND vs AUK Toss Prediction

This T20 will be played as day/night match in Hamilton. With this being the first match of the season, the wicket will be fresh. Both captains could want to bowl first on the fresh conditions.

Pitch and Conditions

There should be some seam movement available for the fast bowlers in the first six overs. The weather conditions before the game may even accentuate the amount of seam movement to start with. As the pitch gets harder, the batters may find run-scoring easier. Any score around the 160-run mark should be a par score.

There is a 25 percent chance of rain on matchday, but that should largely be during the time before the start of the match. Conditions will be moderate, but with a high level of humidity.

ND vs AUK Betting Tips

This match pits the team that finished last against the team that topped the table in the 2023/24 season. A new season may lead to slightly differing fortunes, but the Aces remain firm favourites in this one because of their championship-winning history. They have won the tournament five times, which is the most for any franchise.

Bet on Auckland Aces to win this match.