Match Details:
The 18th match of the Ford Trophy 2020-21 will be played between Auckland and Wellington at Eden Park Outer Oval in Auckland.
This match is scheduled to start at 11:00 AM Local Time (03:30 AM IST).
Preview:
Prior to locking horns a day ago at the Eden Park Outer Oval in Auckland, both Auckland and Wellington were coming on the back of a poor start. Auckland had secured only a single victory in 4 games. Wellington were tied on that count, but lost a game less as their match against Central Districts was washed out.
Hence, this game was of utmost importance for both teams. Auckland batted first and scored 255, which is a fairly decent total on a pitch that makes life difficult for the batsmen. However, the Wellington batsmen put up a great show and sealed the victory with 4 wickets in hand. They will now try to cash in on their newly-found momentum, while Auckland will need a comeback as soon as possible.
AUK vs WEL Weather Report for Match 18:
It will be a sunny day in Auckland, with the temperature being 21 °C. There are no chances of precipitation.
Pitch Condition/Report:
The pitch will be a balanced one, where both batsmen and bowlers will need to get the basics right to be successful. A 250+ score is what teams batting first should target.
Average first innings score:
242 (Last 3 Ford Trophy match at this venue)
Record of Chasing Teams:
Won – 2, Lost – 1, Tie – 0
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Injury and Availability News:
(Will be updated when there is an update)
AUK vs WEL Today’s Probable Playing XIs:
Auckland:
Robert O’Donnell, Will O’Donnell, Martin Guptill, Sean Solia, Ben Horne, Ben Lister, Ross ter Braak, Will Somerville, Brad Rodden, Louis Delport, Danru Ferns.
Bench:
Ollie Pringle.
Wellington:
Andrew Fletcher, Jakob Bhula, Troy Johnson, Fraser Colson, Jamie Gibson, Finn Allen, Lauchie Johns (wk), Peter Younghusband, Iain Mcpeake, James Hartshorn, Michael Snedden.
Bench:
Adam Leonard, Nick Greenwood.
AUK vs WEL Top picks for Today’s Dream11 Match:
William O’Donnell has been the leader of Auckland’s batting department in this competition. He has scored 263 runs at an average of over 50. He has struck 4 half-centuries already.
While O’Donnell has commanded the batting unit, his namesake William Somerville has been the commander of the bowling unit. He has picked up 7 wickets and has an economy rate of just over 4 runs per over.
Ross ter Braak is another Auckland bowler who has enjoyed a good time in this season’s Ford Trophy so far. He has scalped 6 wickets while maintained an economy rate of under 6 runs per over.
For Wellington, Peter Younghusband has done the talking with the ball in hand. He has picked up 7 wickets and has an economy rate of just over 5 runs per over. He can also be handy with the willow and has 55 runs to show for.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:
Captain Options – Peter Younghusband, Will O’Donnell
Vice-Captain Options – Will Somerville, Ross ter Braak
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Suggested Playing XI No.1 for AUK vs WEL Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Ben Horne
Batters – Will O’Donnell (C), Jakob Bhula, Robert O’Donnell
All-Rounders – Peter Younghusband, Jamie Gibson, Sean Solia
Bowlers – Iain Mcpeake, Michael Snedden, Ross ter Braak (VC), Will Somerville
Suggested Playing XI No.2 for AUK vs WEL Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Lauchie Johns
Batters – Will O’Donnell, Andrew Fletcher, Martin Guptill, Troy Johnson
All-Rounders – Peter Younghusband (C), Danru Ferns
Bowlers – Ross ter Braak, Will Somerville (VC), Iain Mcpeake, Louis Delport
Expert Advice:
Louis Delport has 4 wickets to his name, but the most appealing attribute on his stats is his economy rate of slightly over just 3 runs per over. He should get a place in at least one of your Dream11 Fantasy teams.
AUK vs WEL Probable Winners:
Auckland are expected to win this match.
