Super Smash 2018-19: Preliminary Final, Auckland vs Central Districts: Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates and Fantasy Cricket Tips - February 15th, 2019

We are now into the business end of the Super Smash 2018-19 season where only three teams remain to compete for the coveted trophy. On Friday, Auckland Aces host Central Stags in the preliminary final with a spot in the final against the defending champions, Northern Knights, waiting on the horizon.

With both teams in possession of some of the most brutal T20 players in the world, Eden Park is set to host another high-scoring match between the two teams. Aces have already done the double over the Stags this season but would be wary of the fact that the Stags did get one over them at the exact same stage last year to proceed to the finals. With the stakes at an all-time high for both teams, who will come out of the match as the victors?

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Squads to choose from:

Auckland Aces:

Colin Munro, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Craig Cachopa, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Graeme Beghin, Donovan Grobbelaar, Will Somerville, Mitch McClenaghan, Ben Lister, Ronnie Hira, Robbie O'Donnell, and Matt Quinn.

Central Districts Stags:

Will Young, George Worker, Tom Bruce, Dean Foxcroft, Dean Cleaver, Kieran Noema-Barnett, Doug Bracewell, Seth Rance, Ben Wheeler, Adam Milne, Ajaz Patel, and Bevan Small.

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Playing XI Updates:

Auckland Aces:

The return of Colin Munro after a successful T20I series against India should see him slot in at the top of the order alongside Glenn Phillips. Mark Chapman's extraordinary innings in the last round of matches should have him in good touch while Craig Cachopa and Daniel Bell-Drummond's presence adds more strength to a top-heavy batting unit. The bowling unit, led by Mitch McClenaghan, has been quite impressive with the likes of Will Somerville and Ronnie Hira doing well in the spin department.

Possible XI: Munro, Phillips (WK), Chapman, Cachopa (C), Bell-Drummond, O'Donnell, Grobbelaar, Somerville, Hira, McClenaghan, and Quinn

Central District Stags:

While Doug Bracewell does return for this high-octane match, injury to their leading wicket-taker, Blair Tickner does deny them of a worthy option. In spite of the setback, they possess a fearsome quartet of Milne, Rance, Wheeler, and Bracewell along with Ajaz Patel. Much is expected of Tom Bruce and George Worker if they are to get one over the Aces on Friday.

Possible XI: Worker, Young, Foxcroft, Bruce(C), Cleaver(WK), Barnett, Bracewell, Milne, Wheeler, Rance and Ajaz Patel.

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Fantasy Tips and Suggestions:

Wicket-keeper: Glenn Phillips is the preferred choice of this slot with his ability at the top of the order irresistible to ignore on a flat Auckland pitch. His recent form has also been good which makes him more than just a viable pick.

Batsmen: Tom Bruce and Will Young are amongst the highest run-getters in the tournament with 308 and 237 runs respectively. Both of them are great options to have in the team along with Mark Chapman. Chapman burst back to run-scoring form against the same opposition with a brilliant fifty and would be in good touch come Friday. Either of Craig Cachopa or Daniel Bell-Drummond would also be a handy pick to have in the side.

All-rounders: Colin Munro has been in devastating form for the Aces and Blackcaps in the format and should be one of the first names on the fantasy team sheet. Doug Bracewell's return is an added advantage for the Stags as well as the fantasy players with his batting ability improving over the last 12 months.

Bowlers: Two of Adam Milne, Seth Rance, and Ben Wheeler should suffice along with the marquee selection of Mitchell McClenaghan. McClenaghan has been brilliant for the Aces with 15 wickets to his name this season. Another big performance is expected from the burly pacer. One of Matt Quinn and Will Somerville would also be a great selection with both of them capable of picking wickets at a good economy as well.

Captain: Colin Munro and Tom Bruce are two of the best batsmen in the NZ circuit and will be expected to come good en route to the final. Munro's bowling ability has also been banked upon by the Aces and come Friday, he could have a major impact on the match along with the opposition captain, Bruce.

Fantasy Suggestion #1: Glenn Phillips (WK), Mark Chapman, Craig Cachopa, Tom Bruce, Will Young, Doug Bracewell, Colin Munro, Adam Milne, Seth Rance, Matt Quinn, and Mitchell McClenaghan. Captain: Colin Munro

Fantasy Suggestion #2: Glenn Phillips (WK), Tom Bruce, George Worker, Mark Chapman, Robert O'Donnell, Colin Munro, Doug Bracewell, Mitchell McClenaghan, Seth Rance, Ben Wheeler, and Ronnie Hira. Captain: Tom Bruce

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