AA vs OV Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today’s Super Smash 2024-25 Match 23 Between Auckland And Otago?

Bevon Jacobs and Dale Phillips (Source: @SuperSmashNZ/X.com)

It is match number 23 in the ongoing Super Smash, where Auckland Aces (AA) are gearing up to play Otago Volts (OV) at the Eden Park, Auckland, on 23rd January from 8:55 AM IST. With the final few games left, this contest is expected to be heated up as both sides would want to ensure their place in the knockouts.

Auckland Aces

After just two wins from seven matches and two abandoned games, Auckland Aces are fourth-placed with 12 points. Their campaign has been challenging, with victories in scarcity, having only won one of their last four games, with three losses on the trot. However, they managed to shed that behind with a comfortable 53-run victory over the Wellington Firebirds. Batting first, Auckland posted 215 on the board courtesy of seasoned veteran Martin Guptill's 49-ball 82, which was complemented very well by his partner Simon Keene at the top, who smashed 81 from just 35 deliveries to keep them at the top.

Bowling looked all sorts of impressive, too, with Danru Ferns picking a four-fer while Angus Oliver's figures looked like 2/21 (3), whereas Keene again came into the picture with a spell of 2/24 with the ball. Stopping them would be almost impossible if they continue to play like this in upcoming games.

Otago Volts

Meanwhile, their rivals, Otago Volts, have been doing quite well, with four victories in eight matches, while one of their games was washed out. With 18 points, they are handsomely claiming the number two spot on the table. However, their performances have stooped low in the last two games, with losses in both of them. Luke Georgeson-led side were bowled out for 153 while chasing 186 against the Firebirds. Glenn Phillips put on a decent contribution of 49 runs from 32 deliveries with no real support except for Max Chu's 17-ball 35.

While their bowlers were expensive, Ben Lockrose was the best of the lot with figures of 1/27 in four overs. Otago will have to find a way not to leak runs, which is something they have done in both of the games they have lost.

AA vs OV: Head-to-Head Records

---

ALSO READ

Brendon McCullum's Son Shows Glimpses Of Father With Brutal Power-hitting: Watch

---

How Will The Eden Park Pitch Behave?

The pitch at the Eden Park Outer Oval in Auckland, where this clash is going to take place, is a drop-in one, which is slower in nature. Batters generally like batting here because playing shots is not too much of a hassle, whereas the smaller boundaries help their cause further. Pacers will have to hit the deck hard to get the results and meanwhile, spinners will have to bowl tight lines to ensure that batters don't play them straight down the ground. Generally, scores are chased here, which means the team winning the toss will likely bowl first.

Players To Watch Out For In AA vs OV Match 23

Auckland Aces

Martin Guptill: Veteran Martin Guptill has been in fine form this season, with 193 runs from just four innings at a strike rate of 150.78. His ability to strike big makes him a vital cog on the Aces side, with years of experience.

Simon Keene: Gun all-rounder Simon Keene has proved himself to be one of the most effective players, with 131 runs at the top of the order while striking at an impressive 187.14. On the other hand, has two wickets with an economy rate of 7.80 using his medium pace.

Bevon Jacobs: Fiery middle-order striker Bevon Jacobs has made the world notice himself with 166 runs in five games, whereas his strike rate is close to 150 at 149.54, to be precise. Jacobs is a hard-hitter with expertise in playing as the finisher for his side.

Otago Volts

Glenn Phillips: Experienced New Zealand international Glenn Phillips has played two games so far in this season but made an impact straightway with 49 in the last match while also picking up a wicket. 

Dale Phillips: Next in line of the Phillips brothers, Dale Phillips has impressed one and all with his batting and fielding ability. This season, he has already accumulated 166 runs from eight innings while maintaining a strike rate of 156.60.

Max Chu: Otago's best batter this season, Max Chu has been incredible, with a massive tally of 225 runs from six innings and an impressive strike rate of 164.23. Chu is exceptionally crucial to the Volts' chances going forward in the tournament.

Today's Match Prediction: AA vs OV Match 23

Predicted Top Performers

Auckland Aces: Martin Guptill, Simon Keene, Bevon Jacobs

Otago Volts: Glenn Phillips, Dale Phillips, Max Chu

AA vs OV Match 23: Predicted Score

Predicted first innings score: 175-185

Predicted second innings score: 180-190

Predicted Result: The team choosing to bowl first will likely have an edge in this game.

---

ALSO READ

[Watch] RCB Blood Shepherd’s Fireworks Leave Ali Khan Guilty After 26-Run Onslaught

---