AA vs CS Dream11 Prediction – 12th Match, The Ford Trophy 2025 (08 November 2025)
The 12th match of the 2025-26 edition of the The Ford Trophy pits the Auckland Aces (AA) against the Central Stags (CS) on 8 November 2025, at Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland. The Aces will look to exploit home conditions and build a strong platform in the tournament, while the Stags will aim to adapt quickly away from home and upset the hosts.
The pitch at Eden Park’s outer oval tends to offer pace and bounce early, with batters benefitting if they get set. Spin can come into play in the middle overs, especially if the ball gets older or the pitch settles.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, 8 November 2025
- Venue: Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland
- Format: List-A (50 overs)
- Match Number: 12 of The Ford Trophy 2025-26
Team Previews
Auckland Aces (AA)
Auckland Aces bring a strong batting core and all-round depth. Their familiarity with local conditions and ability to post/ chase long totals will be key. The onus will be on their top-order to give them a platform and for their bowlers to strike early.
Strengths: Home advantage, batting depth, variety in bowling.
Challenges: Avoiding early wickets and handling pressure from a well-balanced away side.
Central Stags (CS)
The Central Stags have shown competitive form and will rely on a balanced squad. Their challenge on this tour will be to adapt quickly to the opposition’s strengths, perform away from home, and manage the conditions.
Strengths: Balanced squad, effective middle-overs bowling, ability to grind.
Challenges: Making strong starts and handling the Aces’ top-order firepower.
Probable XIs (Tentative)
Auckland Aces (AA) – Probable XI
- Cam Fletcher (wk)
- Finn Allen
- Mark Chapman
- Dale Phillips
- Bevon Jacobs
- Sean Solia
- James Neesham
- Adithya Ashok
- Lockie Ferguson
- Ben Lister
- Angus Olliver
Central Stags (CS) – Probable XI
- Dane Cleaver (wk)
- Will Young
- Tom Bruce
- Josh Clarkson
- Brad Schmulian
- George Worker
- Dean Foxcroft
- Ajaz Patel
- Blair Tickner
- Ben Wheeler
- Jayden Lennox
(Note: Final playing XIs to be confirmed at toss.)
Top Fantasy Picks
- Mark Chapman (AA): Top-order batter with ability to score big; safe fantasy pick.
- James Neesham (AA): Proven all-rounder; contributes bat and ball — high value.
- Dale Phillips (AA): Aggressive batter; good ceiling if he gets going.
- George Worker (CS): Middle-order bat who can anchor and accelerate; great differential.
- Ajaz Patel (CS): Specialist spinner; key in middle overs for fantasy teams.
- Blair Tickner (CS): Fast bowler with wicket-taking ability; useful bowling pick.
- Cam Fletcher (AA): Wicket-keeper batter; dual role adds fantasy value.
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices
- Captain (2× points): Mark Chapman or James Neesham
- Vice-Captain (1.5× points): George Worker or Ajaz Patel
Match Prediction
Taking venue and current form into account, Auckland Aces have a slight edge playing at home. If they bat first and set a solid total, the Stags will be under pressure. However, if the Stags get a strong start, they could turn the game.
Prediction: Auckland Aces to win by around 4-5 wickets if chasing, or by 20-25 runs if batting first.
Fantasy Tips
- Wait for toss and final XI before locking your Dream11 team — roles may change.
- Prioritise batters likely to face 60+ deliveries (top-4) and bowlers expected to bowl full quotas.
- Include at least one wicket-keeper batter and one all-rounder for dual contributions.
- Use a split of ~6 players from the favoured side (Auckland Aces) and ~5 from the underdog to hedge risk.
- Given conditions, pace bowlers likely to be effective early; include one or two.
Conclusion
The Auckland Aces vs Central Stags clash is expected to be competitive and offer good fantasy value. Key players like Mark Chapman, James Neesham, George Worker and Ajaz Patel are must-considers. A balanced Dream11 cricket lineup combining safe picks with high-ceiling differentials will optimise chances. While the Aces hold a narrow advantage, a smart approach can exploit Stags’ potential for upset.
