Auckland Aces vs Northern Knights, SS T20 2021, Today Match Prediction 27 November 2021

auc vs nk Match Prediction & Analysis

Auckland Aces and Northern Knights both had a forgettable last season of the Super Smash. While Auckland finished second from the bottom with just 2 wins in 10 games, the Knights ended 4th with 5 wins and 5 losses. They will be facing off in the 2nd match of the new season with the hope of a winning start. Playing at home, Auckland will feel confident but the Northern Knights have enough firepower to take them down. 
 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Auckland Aces Preview

On paper, Auckland has a solid enough team but they struggled to put up performances when it mattered last time. We can see that from the fact that none of the batsmen from the team made their way into the top 10 leading run-getters board last season. 

It will be interesting to see if Martin Guptill, who has been in great form, will appear for the Aces from the first game itself. But it’s unlikely as he has been playing non-stop cricket for the last few months and would be looking for a break. Sean Solia and Glenn Phillips opened the innings for them last season. But Phillips, who is now their third-highest run-getter with 493 runs, is in India for the Test series and his services will be sorely missed by the team. Will O’Donnell at No.3 will be crucial for Auckland’s chances. Mark Chapman and skipper Robert O’Donnell too would have to step up.

Will Somerville (12 wickets) and Ross ter Braak (11 wickets) were the only bowlers from Auckland to feature in the leading wicket-takers list last season. It goes without saying that they will again be looked upon to deliver. Other than them, their bowling unit is a little fragile; especially as Kyle Jamieson would be unavailable. 

Auckland Aces Predicted Playing XI:

Sean Solia, William O’ Donnell, Graeme Beghin, Mark Chapman, Robert ODonnell (c), Ben Horne (wk), William Somerville, Danru Ferns, Louis Delport, Ross ter Braak

Northern Knights Preview

The Northern Knights would be disappointed with the way things went for them last season. Anton Devcich will again be leading the side and will remain one of their most important batters. He ended the previous season as the Knights’ highest run-scorer with 286 runs, including an incredible unbeaten 75 off 40 balls in their last game against Otago. The other one who is likely to deliver the goods is Tim Seifert who has been in good form recently and has the confidence of a good last season where he amassed 281 runs. All-rounder Colin de Grandhomme will be itching to make his mark as well with his big hitting.

The Knights will be without their regular bowlers Tim Southee and Mitchell Santner, who are both in India for the Test series. Trent Boult too is likely to miss out on the first few games. This leaves their bowling a little short on experience and teeth. A lot will depend on the form of Scott Kuggeleijn and Ish Sodhi. Joe Walker’s off-spin could also come in handy.
 

Northern Knights Predicted Playing XI:

Tim Seifert (wk), Katene Clarke, Joe Carter, Colin de Grandhomme, Anton Devcich (c), Brett Hampton, Scott Kuggeleijn, Anurag Verma, Ish Sodhi, Brett Randell/ Matthew Fisher, Joe Walker

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The pitch at Auckland is a true T20 surface. Batsmen will enjoy batting here but slow bowlers too should get some purchase as it slows down a little. Since this will be the first game of the season, the wicket should be hard and fresh.

The weather in Auckland on the day of the match is expected to be warm and pleasant. 

Venue Details

The highest total achieved at Auckland is 243/6 by New Zealand. The highest total on the venue in the Super Smash is 174/7 by Auckland Aces. That total is likely to be surpassed this season.

Toss: To Bowl

The team winning the toss is likely to choose to bowl first as chasing sides have had a better record on this venue.