Rising star Adi Ashok will lead the ACES into a highly anticipated Ford Trophy rematch against Canterbury this Monday at Hagley Oval, as the Aucklanders look to avenge last season’s heartbreaking defeat in the 2024/25 Final.

The ACES have made an impressive start to their 2025/26 campaign, sitting top of the Ford Trophy table with back-to-back wins. Skipper Ashok has been instrumental in that success, taking 4/43 in last week’s Ross Dykes Memorial Trophy victory over Otago.

Ashok, who at just 23 has already debuted for the BLACKCAPS in T20Is and One Day Internationals, said the side is building real momentum early in the season.

“Excited to travel away from home and have a re-run of the Ford Trophy from last year,” Ashok said. “We’re looking to continue to grow and learn from each game and carry the momentum we’ve gained.”

Cam Fletcher and Bevon Jacobs have been the stand outs with the bat across the opening two matches. Fletcher’s average of 80 is the third best in the competition behind only Henry Nichols (Canterbury) and Curtis Heaphy (Central Districts), while Jacobs (68) is just one spot lower in fourth. Jacobs also has the most sixes in the competition with 7.

Last season, Canterbury claimed the Ford Trophy in the final between the two sides. Monday’s clash offers a chance for redemption for an ACES side that continues to blend proven experience with emerging talent. Rohit Gulati and Jaskaran Sandhu come into the squad to replace Jimmy Neesham. 

The ACES take on Canterbury in Round 3 of the Ford Trophy at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, with the first ball at 10:30am on Monday 3 November.

Match details:
Canterbury vs Auckland ACES
Ford Trophy – Round 3
Monday 3 November, 10:30 am
Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Free entry

Auckland ACES Squad: 
Adi Ashok - Suburbs New Lynn 
Sid Dixit - Cornwall
Cam Fletcher - East Coast Bays
Rohit Gulati - Papatoetoe
Ryan Harrison - East Coast Bays
Bevon Jacobs - Hibiscus Coast
Harrish Kannan - Cornwall
Simon Keene - North Shore
Ben Lister - Suburbs New Lynn
Jock McKenzie - North Shore
Dale Phillips - Howick Pakuranga
Jaskaran Sandhu - Suburbs New Lynnn
Lachie Stackpole - Howick Pakuranga

Unavailable due to injury: Matt Gibson, Angus Olliver, Samrath Singh, Sean Solia.

Article added: Sunday 02 November 2025