The Auckland ACES return to Eden Park’s Kennards Hire Community Oval this Wednesday 28 October to face Canterbury in the opening round of the 2026-27 Ford Trophy, with first ball at 10:30am.

Led by captain Sean Solia, the ACES will be looking to make a strong start to their 50-over campaign after finishing mid-table last season. A home opener provides an early opportunity to set the tone against familiar opposition.

The two sides last met in the final round of the 2025-26 Plunket Shield, with the ACES still in contention for the title heading into the clash at the Outer Oval. Canterbury held firm to secure the Shield, leaving Auckland looking to turn the tables when the teams meet again this Wednesday.

There is recent history in the shorter format too, with Canterbury defeating the ACES in the 2024-25 Ford Trophy final. The hosts will be eager to claim the first points of the new campaign against a side that has stood between them and silverware.

The fixture also marks the beginning of Auckland’s final season at Eden Park before the move to Colin Maiden Park. For players and supporters alike, the summer offers an opportunity to add to the memories made at the Outer Oval, which has been home to generations of Auckland cricketers.

With a fresh campaign ahead and Canterbury first up, the stage is set for an intriguing opening contest at Eden Park’s Kennards Hire Community Oval.

Match details:
Auckland ACES vs Canterbury
Ford Trophy | Round 1
Wednesday 28 October 2026
10:30am start
Eden Park’s Kennards Hire Community Oval, Auckland
Free entry

ACES unavailable due to injury: Jordan Sussex, Harjot Johal, Rohit Kumar, Samrath Singh, Ben Lister, Mark Chapman.

Article added: Tuesday 27 October 2026