The Auckland ACES return to Ford Trophy action with a crucial home clash against the Wellington Firebirds at Eden Park’s Kennards Hire Community Oval on Tuesday, as the competition enters a pivotal phase in the race for finals.

Fresh off a road loss to the Central Stags in Napier, the ACES will be eager to respond on familiar turf in a matchup that looms large in the context of the Ford Trophy ladder. Auckland currently sit fourth on the table, with the Firebirds one place ahead in third, and both sides firmly in the hunt for a spot in the elimination final as the business end of the season approaches.

The ACES continue to be buoyed by the form of Bevon Jacobs, whose strong summer has rolled seamlessly into the Ford Trophy campaign. Jacobs again showed his class against the Stags, top-scoring for the ACES with 47, and remains a key figure in Auckland’s middle order as the side looks to apply scoreboard pressure.

Young quick Harjot Johal also continues to underline his promise at List A level. The seamer claimed two wickets from his four overs in Napier, offering control and penetration through the middle stages and adding further depth to the ACES bowling attack.

With both teams jostling for position inside the top four, Tuesday’s contest shapes as a high-stakes encounter. The ACES will be focused on tightening execution and making full use of home conditions as they look to leapfrog the Firebirds and strengthen their finals credentials.

The Auckland ACES take on the Wellington Firebirds in Round 8 of the Ford Trophy at Eden Park’s Kennards Hire Community Oval, with first ball at 10:30 am on Tuesday 10 February.

Match details:
Auckland ACES vs Wellington Firebirds
Ford Trophy – Round 8
Tuesday 10 February, 10:30 am
Eden Park’s Kennards Hire Community Oval, Auckland
Free entry

ACES unavailable due to injury: Simon Keene, Jock McKenzie, Jordan Sussex.

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Article added: Monday 09 February 2026