The Super Smash 2026 continues with a blockbuster clash as Otago Volts (OV) take on Auckland Aces (AA) at the beautiful University Oval, Dunedin. This encounter carries huge importance for both sides — Otago are coming in with momentum after a win over Wellington, while Auckland will be keen to repeat their dominant victory over Otago just a week ago.
With star performers like Glenn Phillips, Bevon Jacobs and Harjot Johal in action, this OV vs AA contest is expected to deliver fireworks for cricket fans and fantasy players alike.
Match Details
- Match: Otago Volts vs Auckland Aces (Super Smash T20)
- Venue: University Oval, Dunedin
- Date: 12 January 2026
- Local Time: 4:25 PM NZDT
- India Time (IST): 8:55 AM IST
Weather & Pitch Report – University Oval, Dunedin
Dunedin usually offers challenging but exciting cricket conditions.
Weather Forecast:
- Temperature: 16–18°C
- Conditions: Partly cloudy
- Wind: Moderate (can assist swing bowlers)
Pitch Report: University Oval is a high-scoring venue with short square boundaries.
- Average 1st innings score: 171
- Pacers wickets (last 5 matches): 40
- Spinners wickets: 15
Pitch Insight: The surface provides true bounce and good carry, helping fast bowlers early. Spinners generally struggle here, while seamers who hit the deck hard dominate.
Team Form Guide
Otago Volts (OV)
Otago bounced back strongly by chasing 150 against Wellington. Glenn Phillips and Jack Boyle are finding form, but they will be wary after being bowled out for 112 by Auckland in their previous meeting.
Auckland Aces (AA)
Auckland are in explosive form. They scored 200 vs Otago and 198 vs Canterbury in recent games. Bevon Jacobs is leading the batting charts, while Harjot Johal continues to strike with the ball.
Key Players to Watch
Top Fantasy Picks
Bevon Jacobs (AA) 195 runs in the series with scores of 88 and 54. A reliable top-order batter.
Harjot Johal (AA) 9 wickets this season. Took 4 wickets against Otago earlier — deadly on this surface.
Ben Lockrose (OV) 7 wickets in the series. One of the few spinners who thrives even on flat tracks.
Differential Picks
Jack Boyle (OV) – Scores of 71 & 40 in recent games Dale Phillips (AA) – Scored 77 vs Otago last week
Captain & Vice-Captain Options
Safe Captain Picks
- Glenn Phillips
- Harjot Johal
Vice-Captain Options
- Bevon Jacobs
- Ben Lockrose
Grand League Differentials
- Dale Phillips
- Jamal Todd
Fantasy Strategy – OV vs AA
- Prioritize fast bowlers – 40 of last 55 wickets at this venue have gone to pacers
- Pick top-order batters – small boundaries = big runs
- Don’t drop Glenn Phillips – he offers guaranteed points in both innings
Match Outlook
With Auckland’s explosive batting and Otago’s home advantage, this game promises a thrilling contest. If Otago’s top order clicks, they can challenge Auckland, but on current form, Auckland Aces hold a slight edge.