Canterbury Kings will face Auckland Aces in the Men’s Super Smash 2025-26 Eliminator at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on January 30, 2026. This is a sudden-death knockout match with the winner advancing to face Northern Brave in the Grand Final on January 31, 2026.
This promises to be an exciting contest between two sides that have produced high-scoring thrillers throughout the season. Canterbury finished second on the points table, while Auckland finished third. Both teams boast explosive batting lineups and quality bowling attacks.
This article gives you a detailed Dream11 prediction, match details, head-to-head records, and key players for this Super Smash Eliminator.
Canterbury Kings vs Auckland Aces Match Preview
Hagley Oval in Christchurch will host the Men’s Super Smash 2025-26 Eliminator. The match starts at 5:55 PM local time (10:25 AM IST).
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Canterbury Kings vs Auckland Aces, Eliminator |
| Date | 30 January 2026 (Friday) |
| Time | 5:55 PM NZDT / 10:25 AM IST / 4:55 AM GMT |
| Venue | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| Tournament | Dream11 Super Smash 2025-26 |
| Stakes | Winner advances to the Grand Final vs Northern Brave |
Tournament Format
- 6 teams play double round-robin (10 matches each)
- 4 points for a win, 2 for a tie/no result, 0 for a loss
- Table topper (Northern Brave) – Direct entry to Grand Final
- 2nd (Canterbury Kings) vs 3rd (Auckland Aces) – Eliminator
- Eliminator winner faces table topper in Grand Final (Jan 31)
Pitch Report
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Batting-friendly with good pace and bounce |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 185-195 runs |
| Pace vs Spin | Fast bowlers have enjoyed success (avg 23.18 per wicket) |
| Spin | Spinners average 26.51 per wicket |
| Toss Factor | Nearly equal probability of winning batting or bowling first |
| Conditions | Fresh, grassy surface expected for finals |
Hagley Oval has seen high-scoring matches this Super Smash season. The average first innings score in 2025-26 has risen to 194 runs. The pitch offers good pace and carry for fast bowlers early, but gets easier for batting as the game progresses. Boundaries are reachable, and the outfield is quick.
Weather Report
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Around 20-22°C |
| Humidity | Moderate |
| Wind | Light breeze |
| Rain Chance | Low |
| Overall | Good conditions for cricket |
Toss Prediction
The toss is not a significant factor at Hagley Oval. Teams have won batting first and bowling first with nearly equal probability. However, given the high stakes of the knockout match, the team winning the toss may prefer to bowl first and chase to avoid scoreboard pressure.
Injury Updates
Canterbury Kings:
- Full squad available
- Tom Latham (Black Caps wicketkeeper) is available
- Kyle Jamieson available
Auckland Aces:
- Simon Keene – Unavailable (injury)
- Jock McKenzie – Unavailable (injury)
- Jordan Sussex – Unavailable (injury)
- Cam Fletcher – Unavailable (expecting birth of child)
- Colin Munro – Available (returned for finals push after 2019-20)
- Adi Ashok – Available (returned from Black Caps ODI series in India)
Dream11 Team For CK vs AA
Head-to-Head Record in Super Smash
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches | 43 |
| Canterbury Kings win | 16 |
| Auckland Aces wins | 26 |
| No Result | 1 |
Last Five Matches
- Auckland won by 9 wickets (with 59 balls remaining) 14-Jan-2026
- Canterbury won by 17 runs, 10-Jan-2026
- Canterbury won by 41 runs, 10-Jan-2025
- Auckland won by 13 runs 03-Jan-2025
- No result 28-Jan-2024
Suggested Reads:
Top Picks of the Match
| Player | Team | Role | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bevon Jacobs | AA | Batter | 6 consecutive fifties at avg 90 – equalled Devon Conway’s record, 88 off 45 vs Canterbury, 171-run partnership with Fletcher (Super Smash record) |
| Tom Latham | CK | WK-Batter | 146 runs at SR 158.69 – leading scorer for Kings, 75 off 48 vs Otago (7 fours, 4 sixes), 55 vs Auckland in first meeting |
| Colin Munro | AA | Opener | 55 off 30 vs Central Stags – first Super Smash since 2019-20, massive T20 franchise experience worldwide |
| Matt Boyle | CK | Batter | 73 off 30 in one match, 52 vs Auckland – explosive form in powerplay and middle overs |
| Fraser Sheat | CK | Pace Bowler | 3/17 in one match – top wicket-taker for Kings, consistent threat in powerplay and death overs |
| Dale Phillips | AA | Opener | 77 off 36 vs Otago (11 fours, 3 sixes) – explosive power-hitter at the top |
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