Central Stags vs Auckland Aces Prediction: Who Will Win CS vs AA 21st ODI Ford Trophy Match?
The Central Stags vs Auckland Aces prediction for the 21st ODI of the Ford Trophy 2025–26 points toward a high-stakes battle between two sides locked in the race for the top three. This crucial encounter will be played on Saturday, 7th February 2026 at the McLean Park, Napier. With Central Stags placed second and Auckland Aces close behind in third, the outcome of this match could significantly reshape the points table. A win for the Aces would put immense pressure on the Stags and potentially allow Auckland to snatch the number two position, while a Stags victory would consolidate their place near the top.
Central Stags come into this contest with strong momentum. They have been prolific with the bat in recent games, crossing the 300-run mark twice in their last three matches. Their latest victory against Wellington, where they defended a 307-run total, underlined their growing confidence and adaptability. The form of Brad Schmulian has been a major positive—two centuries in his last three innings have turned him into one of the most dangerous batters in the competition. Combined with a solid middle order, Central Stags look well-equipped to handle pressure situations.
Auckland Aces, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency. While they have match-winners in their lineup, their batting has been unreliable, especially against disciplined bowling attacks. Heavy defeats and collapses in recent matches have exposed vulnerabilities. On a surface like McLean Park, where bowlers often enjoy assistance early on, Auckland’s batters will need to show resilience. Considering form, balance, and confidence, the Central Stags vs Auckland Aces prediction slightly favours the home side, though Auckland’s bowling could still make this a close contest.
Match Details
| Match | CS vs AA, 21st ODI |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, 7th February 2026 |
| Time | 3:00 AM |
| Venue | McLean Park |
| Tournament | Ford Trophy |
Team Preview
Central Stags Preview
Central Stags have found rhythm at the right stage of the tournament. Their batting unit has been firing consistently, giving them the confidence to post or chase big totals. Brad Schmulian has been the standout performer, delivering two centuries in his last three innings and providing strong starts at the top. His form has eased pressure on the rest of the lineup.
Will Young’s lack of runs at number three is a minor concern, but the middle order has compensated well. Dean Foxcroft and Curtis Heaphy have been reliable contributors, while Dane Cleaver adds stability and finishing ability as wicketkeeper-batter. Josh Clarkson and Joey Field provide useful depth in the lower order.
Bowling-wise, Central Stags possess variety rather than outright dominance. Josh Clarkson and Raymond Toole handle the new ball, while Jayden Lennox leads from the front with disciplined spells. Blair Tickner’s inclusion strengthens the pace attack, and Angus Schaw offers control in the middle overs. On a bowling-friendly surface like McLean Park, this unit will back itself to restrict Auckland’s inconsistent batting lineup.
Auckland Aces Preview
Auckland Aces have had an up-and-down season, marked by flashes of brilliance followed by disappointing collapses. Their recent heavy loss to Canterbury highlighted their batting fragility, where they were bowled out cheaply while chasing a modest total. Despite this, Auckland remain dangerous due to the presence of experienced players.
Cam Fletcher has been their most impactful batter, scoring a century recently and often rescuing the innings from difficult positions. Harrish Kannan and skipper Sean Solia are capable of playing match-defining knocks, but inconsistency has hurt the side. The middle order, featuring Bevon Jacobs and Lachlan Stackpole, has struggled to build partnerships.
Bowling is Auckland’s stronger suit. Adithya Ashok has been the standout, leading the wicket charts for the Aces with 10 wickets in five innings. Ben Lister and Angus Olliver add pace options, while Ryan Harrison offers control. If the bowlers can exploit early assistance at McLean Park, Auckland could put Central Stags under pressure.
Team Squads
Central Stags: Brad Schmulian, Will Young, Dean Foxcroft, Curtis Heaphy, Dane Cleaver, Josh Clarkson, Joey Field, Jayden Lennox, Angus Schaw, Brett Randell, Raymond Toole.
Auckland Aces: Dale Phillips, Sean Solia, Harrish Kannan, Cam Fletcher, Bevon Jacobs, Lachlan Stackpole, Ryan Harrison, Adithya Ashok, Angus Olliver, Harjot Johal, Ben Lister.
Probable Playing XI
| Central Stags | Auckland Aces |
|---|---|
| Brad Schmulian | Dale Phillips |
| Will Young | Sean Solia (c) |
| Dean Foxcroft | Harrish Kannan |
| Curtis Heaphy | Cam Fletcher (wk) |
| Dane Cleaver (wk) | Bevon Jacobs |
| Josh Clarkson | Lachlan Stackpole |
| Joey Field | Ryan Harrison |
| Jayden Lennox (c) | Adithya Ashok |
| Angus Schaw | Angus Olliver |
| Brett Randell | Harjot Johal |
| Raymond Toole | Ben Lister |
Central Stags vs Auckland Aces Today’s Fantasy Prediction – 7th February
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Brad Schmulian, Dean Foxcroft, Cam Fletcher |
| All-rounders | Sean Solia, Josh Clarkson |
| Bowlers | Adithya Ashok, Blair Tickner*, Raymond Toole, Ben Lister |
| Wicketkeeper | Dane Cleaver |
| Extra Batter | Harrish Kannan |
This fantasy XI focuses on in-form batters and wicket-taking bowlers. Brad Schmulian is a must-pick due to his exceptional recent form and ability to score big runs at the top. Dean Foxcroft offers consistency in the middle order, while Cam Fletcher is Auckland’s most reliable run-scorer. Sean Solia and Josh Clarkson are valuable all-rounders who contribute in both departments. In bowling, Adithya Ashok is a standout pick, given his wicket-taking ability, while Raymond Toole and Ben Lister can exploit early movement. Dane Cleaver is selected as wicketkeeper for safe points behind the stumps.
Captain: Brad Schmulian
Vice-Captain: Adithya Ashok
Players to Avoid: Joey Field, Lachlan Stackpole
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match – Central Stags (Why)
For the Central Stags vs Auckland Aces prediction, Central Stags emerge as the stronger pick for victory due to better recent performances and greater batting consistency. The Stags have been posting competitive totals consistently in this season’s Ford Trophy, with multiple 300+ scores in recent matches indicating a settled and confident batting lineup. Brad Schmulian’s prolific form at the top provides a strong foundation, and middle-order contributors like Dean Foxcroft and Curtis Heaphy give depth and stability. Their bowling unit is versatile and capable of exploiting conditions at McLean Park, where seam movement and slower pace later in the day can assist disciplined attacks.
In contrast, the Auckland Aces have struggled for consistency with the bat, as seen in low totals and collapses in key games. While they possess decent bowling options, their batting vulnerabilities make it difficult to chase or set highly competitive targets. In a match where momentum matters, the Stags’ balance and confidence give them a clear edge overall.
Pitch Report
McLean Park’s surface in Napier is generally considered a balanced wicket conducive to 50-over cricket. In recent matches, it has shown early assistance for seam bowlers with some movement and bounce, making new-ball overs crucial for early breakthroughs. As the innings progresses, the pitch tends to slow down slightly, benefiting batters who have settled in and enabling partnerships to build. Captains often prefer batting first after winning the toss because totals around 250–270 have historically been competitive here. Spinners and medium pacers can play a role in controlling the scoring during middle overs once the ball loses its initial shine.
Weather Report
| Condition | High | Low | Rain Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Napier | 24–26°C | 17–19°C | ~10% |
Conditions are expected to be mostly sunny and pleasant at McLean Park with minimal chance of rain, light winds and ideal cricket weather.
Broadcast Details
The Central Stags vs Auckland Aces 21st ODI will be streamed live on FanCode, offering live score updates, ball-by-ball commentary, expert analysis, and post-match highlights for fans across devices.
Toss Prediction
Given the pitch conditions at McLean Park, captains may prefer to bat first after winning the toss to take advantage of the fresher surface and post a competitive total, as the pitch tends to slow slightly later in the innings.
Score Prediction
If Central Stags bat first, they are likely to post around 255+ thanks to their strong batting lineup.
If Auckland Aces bat first, they could reach 249+ but may struggle to keep up with a robust Stags bowling attack.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
For the Central Stags, Brad Schmulian is the key batter to watch as he has been in sensational touch, scoring multiple centuries this season and anchoring the innings. Dean Foxcroft offers solidity and middle-order stability, capable of accelerating when needed. On the bowling front, Josh Clarkson and Raymond Toole are crucial pacers who can exploit early movement at McLean Park, while Blair Tickner provides variety and control in the middle overs.
For the Auckland Aces, Cam Fletcher is their most reliable batter and a vital pick for runs at the top of the order. Harrish Kannan can contribute key scores, but support from others is inconsistent. With the ball, Adithya Ashok stands out as the main wicket-taking threat, capable of swinging the game with crucial breakthroughs. Ben Lister offers additional pace and penetration, making him a valuable bowler to watch.
Match Prediction
Considering current form, batting depth, and balance, Central Stags are favourites to win this 21st ODI. Their consistent batting performances and effective bowling make them solid contenders. If Auckland Aces can get early wickets and contain runs, they might pressure the Stags, but overall the home side looks more likely to secure victory. Final prediction: Central Stags will win.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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