The Auckland Aces and Northern Knights face off in the 13th ODI of the Ford Trophy 2024-25 season. Set at the iconic Seddon Park in Hamilton, both teams come into this matchup looking to strengthen their standings with a win. Auckland Aces are the slight favorites, given their form and depth in the squad. Here’s a full match breakdown, including team previews, pitch and weather conditions, and a winning prediction.
Match Details
- Match: NK vs AKL, 13th Match, The Ford Trophy 2024-25
- Date: Sunday, November 3, 2024
- Time: 3:00 AM (Local Time)
- Venue: Seddon Park, Hamilton
Broadcast Details
- Live Streaming: Available on FanCode
Team Previews
Northern Knights Preview
Led by captain Jeet Raval, the Northern Knights feature a balanced lineup that combines experience and youth. Tim Seifert, known for his aggressive batting, will be a key player at the top. Scott Kuggeleijn and Neil Wagner provide strength to the bowling attack, bringing pace and swing on Hamilton’s green pitch. The Knights will look to make full use of the home conditions and capitalize on the early powerplay.
Key Players:
- Tim Seifert (Wicketkeeper): A power hitter who can set the tone for the Knights.
- Jeet Raval (Captain): Dependable in the middle order, Raval brings stability and experience.
- Neil Wagner: Known for his relentless accuracy and bounce, Wagner will be a threat, especially in the early overs.
Northern Knights Squad:
Tim Seifert (wk), Jeet Raval (c), Katene Clarke, Fergus Lellman, Robert O’Donnell, Henry Cooper, Brett Hampton, Scott Kuggeleijn, Kristian Clarke, Neil Wagner, Frederick Walker, Scott Johnston
Auckland Aces Preview
The Auckland Aces, led by the dynamic Finn Allen, have a formidable batting lineup including hard-hitters like James Neesham and William O’Donnell. Their pace attack, with Lockie Ferguson, promises to be fiery and well-suited to Seddon Park’s pitch. Auckland’s combination of aggressive batting and skilled bowling gives them a strong edge going into this match.
Key Players:
- Finn Allen (Captain): Known for his big-hitting prowess, Allen is expected to lead from the front.
- Lockie Ferguson: His express pace and wicket-taking ability make him a vital asset.
- James Neesham: A hard-hitting all-rounder who can turn the game with both bat and ball.
Auckland Squad:
Finn Allen (c), Cam Fletcher (wk), Sean Solia, William O’Donnell, Michael Sclanders, Jock McKenzie, James Neesham, Simon Keene, Adithya Ashok, Louis Delport, Lockie Ferguson, Danru Ferns, Bevon Jacobs
Pitch and Weather Report
Pitch Report
The pitch at Seddon Park typically offers good bounce and carry for the pacers early on, making it a favorable ground for seam bowlers. The surface tends to flatten out later, providing value for shots, which could favor batting sides that can withstand the initial swing. A score of around 280 is competitive here, though teams may want to bat first to make the most of the pitch conditions.
Weather Conditions
The weather in Hamilton on match day is expected to be clear with temperatures around 20°C. Humidity might add some swing for fast bowlers, especially in the early morning session. No rain interruptions are expected.
Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss may choose to bat first to set a challenging target, as the pitch is likely to slow down slightly later in the game.
Score Prediction
- If Auckland Aces Bat First: 282+
- If Northern Knights Bat First: 274+
Winning Chances
- Auckland Aces: 63%
- Northern Knights: 37%
Match Prediction
With a well-rounded squad that includes both firepower and depth, Auckland Aces have the upper hand in this encounter. Their strong batting lineup and pace attack could give them the edge in Hamilton, while Northern Knights will rely on early wickets to disrupt Auckland’s momentum.
Predicted Winner: Auckland Aces
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