The games for Auckland Aces are coming thick and fast as they face Wellington Firebirds in the 12th match of the competition at the Basin Reserve, Wellington. Currently, the Firebirds are just above the bottom place with 4 points from three games while the Aces are at the bottom with two losses in two games to their name.
The Firebirds were defeated by the Canterbury Kings by six wickets in their most recent match. The former side needed to defend 151 runs in 20 overs but were unable to do so due to their inexperienced bowling.
The Aces, on the other hand, were defeated by Northern Brave by 6 wickets after being skittled out for just 92 runs earlier. The Aces’ batting has surely become a headache for the background staff.
Both the teams have strong names on paper. Firebirds have the services of Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, and Logan van Beek in their squad. While the Aces have the star-studded quartet - Martin Guptill, George Worker, Lockie Ferguson, and Mark Chapman.
This should be a scintillating clash, as both teams are aiming to win every game from here on - in order to seal the knockouts deal.
Match Details
Wellington Firebirds vs Auckland Aces- 12th Match
Date and Time: December 24, 2021, 7:10 AM IST
Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington
Broadcast: Fan Code
Pitch Report
The Basin Reserve pitch will assist the seamers early on with a hint of grass on it. But once the batters are set, it will be a belter of a wicket to score on. The average score batting first is around 170. The captains usually like to chase here.
Weather Conditions
According to the forecasts, it will remain sunny throughout the match and there will be no rain around.
Probable Playing XI
Wellington Firebirds
Finn Allen (wk), Luke Georgeson, Troy Johnson, Michael Bracewell (c), Nathan Smith, Jamie Gibson, Tim Robinson, Logan van Beek, Hamish Bennett, Ben Sears, Peter Younghusband.
Auckland Aces
Martin Guptill, George Worker, Mark Chapman, Robert O’Donnell (c), Ben Horne (wk), Cole Briggs, Lockie Ferguson, Benjamin Lister, Sean Solia, Louis Delport, Aditya Ashok.
CE Fantasy XI
Troy Johnson, Michael Bracewell, Tim Robinson, Logan van Beek, Mark Chapman, Ben Sears, Lockie Ferguson, Louis Delport, George Worker.
Captain- Martin Guptill
Vice-Captain-Finn Allen