Super Smash 2021-22 | Match Review | Bracewell, Bennett take Wellington to playoffs

Auckland Aces came face-to-face against Wellington Firebirds on January 20, 2022, at the Eden Park, Auckland. This was the battle that almost confirmed who became the third team to qualify for the play-offs. Here’s how the tale of the Firebirds finishing on top unfolded.

After winning the toss, Auckland skipper Robert O'Donnell, without a second thought, opted to bat first. Once again in the tournament, the Aces’ top order didn't bother to respond. As a result, the pace attack of the Firebirds reduced them to 43/4 in 8.5 overs.

Glenn Phillips and Ben Horne tried to rebuild the innings with their fifth wicket partnership of 59 runs. However, the efforts fell short as Glenn Phillips 39 (31) was ratted by Hamish Bennett. The rest of the batters followed him without contributing much. They crawled their way through to 121/9 in 20 overs.

Bennett was the pick of the bowlers as he finished with figures of 4-0-15-3. Meanwhile, Ben Sears and Logan van Beek shrunken Aces with a couple of wickets apiece.

The Firebirds chased the target with ease would be an understatement 35 balls to spare. Though the openers were out cheaply, their skipper Michael Bracewell and Tom Blundell made sure that there were no further hiccups in the chase. They added 70 runs for the unbroken third wicket. Bracewell finished on an unbeaten 54, while Blundell scored a quick-fire 41* off 25 balls.

With this win, Wellington makes their case solid for the playoffs and they are in the third slot with 20 points from 9 matches. On the other hand, Auckland is in the fourth position with 16 points from 9 played.

Now, Auckland will face Central Stags on January 22, 2022, while Wellington will play Northern Knights on January 24, 2022.

Brief Scores

Wellington Firebirds– 122/2 (14.1)

Michael Bracewell- 54 (44)*, William Somerville- 1/20 (3.1)

Auckland Aces– 121/9 (20)

Glenn Phillips- 39 (31), Hamish Bennett- 3/15 (4)

Wellington Firebirds won by 8 wickets.

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