The top two teams from the regular season will battle it out for the honours in the Ford Trophy on Sunday, with the Central Stags hosting the Auckland Aces in the final.
The Stags secured home advantage after a late surge saw them overtake long time competition leaders, the Aces in the final round. Auckland must not travel to New Plymouth where they’ll battle it out for the Trophy at Pukekura Park.
Auckland qualified after a comfortable 73 run win over the Otago Volts in Wednesday’s knock-out fixture, while Central, who finished top of the table, were fast-tracked after last Sunday’s preliminary final was abandoned. It was the fourth out of Central’s nine scheduled matches which have been abandoned due to weather.
The Stags haven’t been in the final since 2005-6 and last had their name engraved on the trophy in 2003-4. In contrast, Auckland made the 2009-10 final and are currently defending champions,
The match will be broadcast live on SKY TV and Radio Sport and will be live scored on blackcaps.co.nz.
