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The summer of cricket in New Zealand officially kicks off with a blockbuster clash as the Northern Knights (Northern Brave) host the Auckland Aces in the first match of the Super Smash 2025-26. All eyes will be on Seddon Park in Hamilton this Boxing Day for a high-octane T20 showdown.
Match Details
Fixture: Northern Knights vs Auckland, Match 1
Tournament: Dream11 Super Smash 2025-26
Venue: Seddon Park, Hamilton
Date: December 26, 2025
Time: 02:10 PM Local | 01:10 AM GMT
Team Analysis: The Quest for the Trophy
Northern Knights: Home Ground Advantage
Led by Robert O’Donnell, the Knights enter the season with a robust squad blending veteran experience and explosive youth. After a solid run last year that saw them reach the Eliminator, they are hungry for more.
- Power Hitters: Keep an eye on Katene Clarke, who topped the scoring charts for the team last season, and the aggressive Josh Brown.
- Pace Battery: Scott Kuggeleijn and Kristian Clarke will look to exploit the early swing under the Hamilton lights.
Auckland Aces: Redemption on the Horizon
The Aces, under the leadership of Sean Solia, are looking to put a disappointing previous season behind them. With a few tactical shifts and a focus on consistency, they are dangerous underdogs.
- The Legend Returns: Veteran opener Martin Guptill remains the centerpiece of the Auckland batting order, capable of changing any game in the powerplay.
- Spin Threat: Adithya Ashok will be the key man in the middle overs, utilizing the Seddon Park dimensions to frustrate the Knights’ hitters.
Official Team Squads
Northern Knights (Brave): Robert O’Donnell (c), Joe Carter, Katene D Clarke, Ben Pomare (wk), Tim Pringle, Brett Hampton, Joshua Brown, Scott Kuggeleijn, Kristian Clarke, Xavier Bell, Matthew Fisher, Zak Gibson, Jeet Raval.
Auckland Aces: Sean Solia (c), Martin Guptill, Cam Fletcher (wk), Lachlan Stackpole, Dale Phillips, Bevon Jacobs, Simon Keene, Adithya Ashok, Ryan Harrison, Angus Olliver, Harjot Johal, Rohit Gulati.
IMAGE CREDITS : MY FINAL 11
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