After an unfortunate washout in round two, the ACES & HEARTS gear up for another away fixture, this time against Central Stags & Hinds in the picturesque surrounds of Pukekura Park in New Plymouth.

Both sides have named 13 squad members as cover for two back-to-back away fixtures, the second of which is in Alexandra against Otago Volts & Sparks on New Years Day.

WHITEFERNS Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Fran Jonas and Molly Penfold all remain in the HEARTS squad after missing out on a chance to play their first Super Smash match of the season in Wellington.

Bella Armstrong returns to the squad and will have fond memories of this ground after her 71 off 34 ball assault in last season’s Super Smash led her side to a 10-run victory.

The HEARTS then completed the double against the Hinds by winning their subsequent home fixture at Kennards Hire Community Oval by seven wickets.

The first ball is at 12:30pm with live action screened live on TVNZ+ and Duke.

Unavailable due to injury: Elizabeth Buchanan, Brooke Halliday & Amberly Parr.

Auckland HEARTS vs. Central Hinds
Pukekura Park, New Plymouth
29 December, 2023
12:30pm start

BG Armstrong
AS Browning
SE Bowden
P Catton
IC Gaze
ML Green (c)
AT Hucker
BG Illing
FC Jonas
CS Pedersen
JO Penfold
MM Penfold
S Shahri

The ACES will field a slightly altered lineup from their first two matches with some departing BLACKCAPS stars giving the opportunity for some familiar faces to return to the squad.

Finn Allen and Jimmy Neesham are currently in the BLACKCAPS’ T20I squad against Bangladesh, giving the chance for powerful top order batters Will O’Donnell and Cole Briggs to return to the ACES setup.

The ACES also regain the wile of Adi Ashok, who returns after featuring in the BLACKCAPS’ ODI squad against Bangladesh.

They have also named 13 players for their travelling squad meaning Nikith Perera remains with the ACES after making his debut in the opening match against Canterbury on the 19^th.

The ACES and Stags sit at 2^nd and 3^rd on the table, respectively, and have both benefitted from one powerful win each so far this season.

Despite the Stags having the wood on the ACES in the Super Smash last season, this will be a heavyweight clash with runs always on offer at Pukekura Park.

The first ball is at 4:00pm and is screening live on TVNZ+ and Duke.

Unavailable due to injury: Lockie Ferguson (returning to fitness), Simon Keene (ankle), Yahya Zeb (shoulder). Unavailable due to international commitments: Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jimmy Neesham.

Auckland ACES vs. Central Stags
Pukekura Park, New Plymouth
29 December, 2023
4:00pm start

A Ashok
CJ Briggs
LJ Delport
DK Ferns
CD Fletcher (wk)
MJ Guptill
RD Harrison
BG Lister
JJ McKenzie
RR O’Donnell (c)
WT O’Donnell
NS Perera
SM Solia

Article added: Thursday 28 December 2023