Super Smash 2018-19: Canterbury Kings vs Auckland Aces, Match 23: Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates and Fantasy Cricket Tips - January 26th, 2019

The focus shifts towards the mid-table clash between Auckland Aces and Canterbury Kings, who are yet to string a series of victories in order to mount a sustained challenge for the top two spots in the Super Smash 2018-19 standings.

Auckland has been inconsistent due to the high personnel changes during the course of the season while Canterbury are languishing at the bottom of the table with only pride left for salvation. Aces have three wins in seven games while Kings have just one in seven.

With the match set to take place at Christchurch, it is sure to be a highly competitive match.

---

Squads to choose from:

Canterbury Kings:

Andrew Ellis, Kyle Jamieson, Ed Nuttall, Cam Fletcher (wk), Leo Carter, Chad Bowes, Stev Murdoch, Cole McConchie (c), Will Williams, Henry Shipley, Tom MacRury, Todd Astle.

Auckland Aces Squad:

Craig Cachopa(c), Mark Chapman, Donovan Grobbelaar, Roneel Hira, Graeme Beghin, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Ben Horne, Glenn Phillips(WK), Mitch McClenaghan, Matt Quinn, Will Somerville, Rob O'Donnell.

---

Playing XI Updates:

Canterbury Kings:

The Kings fell short by 18 runs in a huge chase against the Central Districts. With Latham and Nicholls out for national duty, Kings should draft in Murdoch, who hasn't come off this season. The bowling unit looks good on paper but has severely underperformed. Andrew Ellis is expected to open the batting with Bowes.

Possible XI: Ellis, Bowes, Murdoch, McConchie(C), Carter, Cam Fletcher(WK), Williams, Shipley, Jamieson, Todd Astle, and Nuttall.

Auckland Aces:

After enjoying an important win over Otago in their previous game, Auckland should field the same side that played against the Volts. Daniel Bell-Drummond did well and should be one of their go-to players along with Glenn Phillips. Mitchell McClenaghan has led the bowling unit well and will be called upon in the death overs to do a tidy job.

Possible XI: Drummond, Phillips(WK), Chapman, Cachopa(C), O'Donnell, Beghin, Grobbelaar, Hira, Somerville, McClenaghan and Quinn.

---

Fantasy Tips and Suggestions:

Wicket-keeper: Glenn Phillips has had a fairly productive Super Smash 2018-19 and is one of the go-to batsmen in the Aces side. He should be the preferred candidate over Cam Fletcher, who hasn't been in the best of form this season.

Batsmen: Mark Chapman, Daniel Bell-Drummond and Chad Bowes are the ideal set of batsmen to go for with form and their batting position boosting their credentials. Chapman's fielding will also bring in a few crucial points and Drummond could also possibly roll his arm over for a couple of overs. Murdoch is also another option who could slot in for Chad Bowes.

All-rounders: Kyle Jamieson is amongst the highest wicket-takers this season and has been very impressive. He should be in your fantasy sides along with the captain, Cole McConchie and Donovan Grobbelaar who are viable options too.

Bowlers: Mitchell McClenaghan has picked up wickets very consistently. He should be one of the first names on the fantasy team sheet. Along with the burly New Zealander, Will Williams, Ed Nuttall and William Somerville would suffice in rounding off an impressive team on paper.

Captain: Glenn Phillips is one of the most fearsome batsmen in the competition and is also likened to the legendary batsman, Brendan McCullum. He is the front-runner for captaincy with Cole McConchie and Daniel Bell-Drummond also good options.

Fantasy Suggestion #1: Glenn Phillips(WK), Daniel Bell-Drummond, Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Cole McConchie, Kyle Jamieson, Donovan Grobbelaar, Mitchell McClenaghan, William Somerville, Will Williams, and Ed Nuttall. Captain: Glenn Phillips.

Fantasy Suggestion #2: Glenn Phillips(WK), Mark Chapman, Craig Cachopa, Chad Bowes, Stephen Murdoch, Todd Astle, Cole McConchie, Will Williams, Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell McClenaghan and Will Somerville. Captain: Cole McConchie.

Follow Sportskeeda for all the updates on Cricket news, IPL schedule, points table, live scores, fantasy cricket tips and stats.