Super Smash 2023-24 Points Table: Updated standings after Northern Districts vs Auckland Aces, Match 21

Northern Districts faced Auckland Aces in the 21st match of the Super Smash 2023-24 on Friday, January 12, at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Auckland won the match by eight wickets after chasing down the target of 122 runs in 16.3 overs.

Wellington Firebirds have won five out of seven matches and are in first place. They have a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +1.852. Auckland Aces are in second position with four wins in seven matches with a Net Run Rate of +1.524.

Canterbury Kings have won and lost three matches each. They have a Net Run Rate of -0.079 and are in third place. Central Stags have won two out of seven matches and have a Net Run Rate of +0.112, which puts them in fourth place.

Next up in the table are Otago Volts, who have just two wins to their name in seven matches. They have a Net Run Rate of -2.132. Northern Knights are in the last position and have managed just one win in six matches.

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Lockie Ferguson powers Auckland Aces to victory

Northern Districts won the toss against Auckland and elected to bat. They struggled initially and lost four wickets for just 29 runs. Joe Carter and Brett Hampton added 66 runs for the fifth wicket and took the total near the 100-run mark.

Carter was the highest scorer and made 48 runs off 39 deliveries. Northern Districts were bundled out for 121 runs in 19 overs. Lockie Ferguson was the pick of the bowlers and took four wickets for 14 runs in four overs, including the scalps of Henry Cooper and Jeet Raval.

Auckland also got off to an underwhelming start and lost their first two wickets for just 31 runs. Sean Solia and Robert O'Donnell helped the team cross the line, with the former emerging as the highest scorer. He made 67 runs off 42 deliveries to help his side clinch the win but Ferguson won the 'Player of the Match' award for his brilliant effort with the ball.