Central Stags vs. Auckland Aces: The Final Showdown Between the Two Arch Rivals in the Ford Trophy Circuit

With Ford Trophy coming to a close, Central Stags and Auckland Aces have made it through to the final stage. Both Auckland Aces and Central Stags have been phenomenal this season; however, in sports, there’s always one winner who claims the authority of becoming the champion. Stags and Aces would be up against each other in John Davies Oval, which has a very tricky square, and the average first innings total is somewhere around 160. However, the odds and statistics really don’t matter if you have a match-winning side behind you who is up for every challenge. Comparing the match form of these two sides, they both have managed to win 4 out of 5 games played. However, in the last league stage game, Auckland Aces defeated Stags after chasing down an odd 300 runs target.

Losing to Aces before the all-important final might dent the hopes of Stags supporters, but Stags are a resilient and determined side that can turn the tables within seconds. In the last game, Stags were pretty decent with the bat, scoring 301 runs in their 50 overs. Ross Taylor and Brad Schmulian were among the top run-getters. Adam Milne scored 25 of 14 in the lower order, giving a boost to stags total. In the bowling card, every bowler bowled according to the game situation; the pick of the bowler was Adam Milne for bowling 6 overs at an economy rate of 3.00. However, giving the ball to Brad Schmulian didn’t pay off as he conceded 36 runs in 3.3 overs. For the final clash, Stags need to revise their strategy and get some minds in the game to win over Auckland Aces.

• Ross Taylor
• Doug Bracewell
• Adam Milne
• Brad Schmulian
• Joey Field

After defeating Stags in the last game, Auckland Aces would be vouching on their key openers in the all-important final game. Though Guptill got out cheaply, he would be looking to make his presence felt in the final game. With him, George Walker, who carried the bat last time, would look to continue his dominant attitude. In the last game, Mark Chapman contributed a decent 88 of 92 balls, guiding Aces to the win. In the upcoming final, Aces are depending upon their formidable batting lineup, which can do wonders.

• Martin Guptill
• George Worker
• Mark Chapman
• Lockie Ferguson
• William Somerville

Auckland Aces would be fancying their chances of winning as they have a much equipped batting and bowling lineup than Stags. Carrying the momentum from the last Win, Aces would be the favorites of winning the final of the Ford Trophy.