The Auckland ACES have stormed into the 2023/24 Super Smash grand final with a comprehensive win over the Northern Brave on Saturday.

As per the Super Smash qualification rules Auckland's Eden Park will now host the Grand Final for both the Men's and Women's competitions on Sunday the 28th of January.

The Wellington Blaze, who finished top of the women's table, have also qualified with their opponent yet to be determined.

The ACES have three potential oppositions, which will be whittled down to two following today's round robin match between the Wellington Firebirds and Canterbury Kings. 

The second and third placed teams for each competition will then play each other in the qualification final on Friday, with the winners going on to the grand final at Eden Park on Sunday.

Tickets will go on sale in the next few days via Flicket.
 

The ACES campaign has been marked with consistency in both and bowling from the beginning of the competition.

Danru Ferns has been a massive highlight, with 18 wickets taking him to the toip of the Super Smash bowling charts. His hard lengths, changes of pace and accuracy have caused batters to take unnecessary risks and he's reaped the rewards with consistent breakthroughs.

Louis Delport has been typically miserly, going for just 6.80 RPO. His middle over bowling has stopped teams in their tracks, never allowing the run rate to bloom. His 14 wickets have been a just reward for his wilyness.

Ben Lister has at times been simply unplayable with the new ball. Combined with accuracy at the death, Lister has only allowed batters to hit him for an economical 6.41 RPO. Some of his 13 wickets will go straight to his highlights reel.

With the bat, the ACES have got massive value from their franchise and international stars with Martin Guptill contributing consistently before leaving for the ILT20 and Finn Allen continuing his incredible form at the top of the order before linking up with the BLACKCAPS.

The most heartening thing for the ACES coaches to see, however, has been less high-profile players step up when required.

Captain Robbie O'Donnell has been the rock with 192 runs at 38.4, stabilising the innings after the openers fall and seeing the team through the tricky middle overs.

His brother Will has hit the ground running since returning to the team, fitting into his aggressor role at number 6 like an old glove.

Cam Fletcher is finding some good form, helping the ACES overcome the Volts last week after a tough start for the top order. And George Worker's brutal assault at the top of the innings set up an insurmountable total against the Brave on Saturday.

Should these ingredients come together again on Sunday, then the ACES will enjoy the spoils of a successful Super Smash campaign!

Article added: Monday 22 January 2024