v Auckland
Today, Eden Park Outer OvalForm: Auckland leads the competition with the maximum 10 points from its two games. The Aces dispatched Wellington by 193 runs in the opening round and beat Canterbury by seven wickets on Tuesday. They are arguably the tournament favourites.
Key players: Black Caps one-day opener Martin Guptill has been influential with 166 runs, and Craig Cachopa has been punishing, with 121 runs at a wonderful strike rate of 157.14. Left-arm quick Mitchell McClenaghan is the competition's leading wicket-taker with seven for 69 at an average of 9.85.
Prospects: The Volts will still be without their test trio of Neil Wagner, Mark Craig and Hamish Rutherford for this clash but have proven resilient in their absence. Senior players like Aaron Redmond and Nathan McCullum will need to shine, and all-rounder Sam Wells has returned from injury and found some marvellous form. He will need another big game.
v Wellington
January 10, Basin ReserveForm: Do not be fooled by Wellington's results to date. The Firebirds might have suffered back-to-back losses, including a 16-run loss to the Volts, but they are a very experienced unit. The defending champions remain dangerous.
Key players: Captain James Franklin can win a game with the bat from just about any situation. All-rounder Grant Elliott has plenty of experience, but the dangerous Luke Ronchi is likely to be in camp with the Black Caps. If spinner Jeetan Patel is fit, he will be a threat with the ball and seamer Brent Arnel is difficult to get away.
Prospects: Wagner, Craig and Rutherford will return from test duty but the in-form McCullum should join the Black Caps for their ODI series against Sri Lanka. He will be missed, but it is a three-for-one deal and the Volts will be strengthened considerably. Otago beat Wellington in Queenstown with a relatively green side and the key will be once again batting first and posting a big score.
v Canterbury
January 14, University OvalForm: Canterbury has not fired in the competition to date with two very heavy losses. But there are enough match-winners in the squad to expect a turnaround from our neighbour.
Key players: Batsman Peter Fulton has played more than 150 one-day games and his average is north of 35. Neil Broom made his name in Otago and can be awfully punishing once he gets set. He has also played more than 100 one-day games. All-rounder Andrew Ellis is a proven performer at domestic level.
Prospects: Otago scored 327 for nine in the fixture last season but still lost. Canterbury is always a tough opponent, even if the team is missing some of the big names it has boasted in the past. Otago will need to bowl well. The dimensions at the University Oval are larger now but by no means large. Good lengths, tights lines and clever management of the attack could be crucial.
